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Looking for a caring and professional dental practice? We’re excited to welcome new patients to our clinic! Whether you’re due for a check-up, need treatment, or are looking to enhance your smile, our friendly team is here to help.
Contact us today to book your first appointment—we look forward to meeting you!

Toothache

A toothache is a pain in or around a tooth. Minor toothaches can come from a temporary gum irritation which may be treated at home. More serious toothaches are caused by dental and mouth problems that are more difficult and will need to be treated by a dentist.

Possible causes of toothache can include:

  • Tooth decay
  • Abscessed tooth
  • A cracked or damaged tooth
  • A loose or broken filling
  • An infection – this often happens when a tooth (such as a wisdom tooth) has broken the skin, but does not have enough room to fully come through
  • Problems with your braces
  • Repetitive motions, such as chewing gum or grinding teeth
  • Infected gums

Symptoms of a toothache may include:

  • Tooth pain that may be sharp, throbbing, or constant. In some people, pain results only when pressure is applied to the tooth.
  • Swelling around the tooth
  • Fever or headache
  • Foul-tasting drainage from the infected tooth

When should I see a dentist about a toothache?

See your dentist as soon as possible about your toothache if:

  • You have a toothache that lasts longer than 1 or 2 days
  • Your toothache is severe
  • You have a fever, earache, or pain upon opening your mouth wide

As with any teeth problems, if you are experiencing any of these symptoms it's important to book an appointment at Guildford Dental Centre to see a dentist as soon as possible, rather than waiting for routine dental health review.

How will the dentist treat my toothache?

Your Guildford Dental Centre dentist will need to examine you, and possibly take x-rays, in order to identify the cause of your toothache. Once this has been identified, they will conduct any temporary treatment to relieve your pain and advise if further treatment is required to address the underlying issue.

Possible treatments may include:

  • If a cavity is causing the toothache, your dentist will fill the cavity or take the tooth out, if necessary.
  • A root canal (a procedure to remove and replace infected pulp with sealing material) may be needed if the cause of the toothache is an infection of the tooth's nerve. Bacteria that have worked their way into the inner space of the root of the tooth cause infection.
  • An antibiotic may be prescribed if there is fever or swelling of the jaw.
  • A small piece of food (like a popcorn hull) can get stuck under the gums causing an infection. In this instance, a deep cleaning may be performed or recommended followed by further periodontal (gum) therapy if necessary.

Preventing toothache

Since most toothaches are the result of tooth decay, following good oral hygiene practices can prevent toothaches. Good oral hygiene practices consist of brushing regularly with a fluoride-containing toothpaste, flossing once daily, rinsing once or twice a day with an antiseptic mouthwash, and seeing your Guildford Dental Centre dentist regularly for professional cleaning and reviews. In addition to these practices, eat foods low in sugar and ask your dentist about sealants and fluoride applications.

How do I treat a toothache at home?

For temporary relief of a toothache, the following can be followed at home:

  • Avoid extremes of temperature, such as hot drinks or very cold foods like ice cream
  • Avoid sugary or acidic foods, especially sweets or fizzy drinks, even diet ones, as these can aggravate the pain
  • Eat soft foods, like yoghurt or scrambled eggs, and try to avoid chewing with the sore tooth
  • Take over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol
  • Use an over-the-counter anaesthetic gel, for example Orajel, which you can buy in a pharmacy, to help relieve the pain
  • Continue to brush and floss your teeth as thoroughly as possible, and rub toothpaste directly onto the sore tooth or area
  • Rinse with warm saltwater. Salt water can loosen debris between your teeth, act as a disinfectant and reduce inflammation. Stir a ½ teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water and rinse your mouth thoroughly.
  • Use mouthwash suitable for gum problems, such as Corsodyl or Peroxyl, from your local pharmacy
  • Massage the gum around the tooth to help ease pain
  • Use cloves or cotton wool to place clove oil over the painful tooth or area of the mouth. You can buy cloves in supermarkets
  • Keep your head elevated at night. Lying down can increase blood pressure in the tooth and cause pain
  • Keep the area cold by using a cool pack or frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel. Apply this to your cheek. Don’t apply ice directly to the tooth as this can increase pain and damage the tissue

If you have any toothache of discomfort, contact Guildford Dental Centre in Guildford as soon as possible. Give us a call on 01483 535220.

Meet the team

Dr Jonathan Tan

Dentist

GDC NO. 75185

Dr Derek Whittle

Dentist

GDC NO. 78743

Dr Kavitha Sivasubramaniam

Dentist

GDC NO. 85899

Dr Chhavi Sharma

Dentist - with special interest in restorative and cosmetic dentistry

GDC NO. 136825

Dr Aradhana Bhimalingham

Dentist

GDC NO. 109760

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Patient Reviews

People are talking about us

The biggest complement we receive is when our patients refer their friends and family to Guildford Dental Centre. In fact, we have built much of our practice on these valued, trusted recommendations over the years. Read our reviews to hear why our patients are recommending us…

Patient reviews

545 Reviews

5.0

27th April 2025

I survived, always happy when that happens.The team were great, no complaints. Gums are healing up nicely and I'll be back soon to see the hygienist. The skylight was a nice touch, it offered a place of calm I could zone out to.

25th April 2025

Pleasant and polite staff who listened to my needs.

24th April 2025

The feel of the clinic is amazing. Calm efficient and then the practitioner was absolutely amazing. Will not go to any other dentist. Happy to pay the prices and I appreciated the reassurance of the Dentist. He was simply amazing.

16th April 2025

The staff are very skilled and professional,Everything is explained well and that makes one relax. I don’t know how they do it but I have never felt any pain when having treatment.

HF

Helen foster

I had a great experience at Guildford Dental Centre, the receptionist Jacqui was extremely helpful, re booking my appointments. And my dentist Derek was very reassuring with my future dental plans.

EE

Ella Edwards

I highly recommend Guildford Dental Centre . Derek is an amazing dentist who’s kind, patient & is in my opinion second to none. I wouldn’t go to anyone else! His nurse Megan is warm, kind and makes me feel so comfortable as soon as I walk into the surgery. The reception team are so efficient, easy to talk to and professional.

SB

Sam Bristow

I highly recommend Guildford Dental Centre for anyone looking at dental services in the Guildford or the wider Surrey/surrounding areas. Dr. Derek Whittle and Megan were incredibly welcoming, friendly, and efficient during my recent visit. I received a thorough cleaning, a filling, and measurements alongside clear instructions for teeth whitening, all of which were done with great care and professionalism, as well as useful tips for maintaining good dental health through best practice habits and lifestyle choices. The procedures were a complete success, and I couldn’t be happier with the results. Highly recommend this practice for their exceptional service and approach.

3rd April 2025

The dental hygienist is very thorough and good communicator and patient and as I'm an anxious patient that means alot to me.

2nd April 2025

I am happy with Guildford Dental Centre because I have confidence in Dr Whittle, my dentist,who I trust to only recommend treatments which are genuinely necessary.He has done major root canal work on me and a few awkward fillings, and always works swiftly and gently,keeping me informed about progress as he goes along,and most importantly, he manages to do unpleasant dental procedures without me having any pain!

2nd April 2025

Clean clinic. Helpful reception staff esp. Jackie. Knowledgable dentists and periodontists whom I trust to give advice on necessary treatment.

26th March 2025

Professional and prompt; referred to previous discussions and records so I didn't have to repeat anything

20th March 2025

Everyone is kind respectful look after me very well.Explaining everything to me making the experience as pleasant as it can be.

18th March 2025

Good experienced dentist polite and professional

13th March 2025

Very professional team, cost was less than expected

JP

Julio Entrena Perez

Consistently great experience over many years.

BE

Bernard Erley

Excellent dental practice, reasonable costs. very happy with the quality of the service I receive.

5th March 2025

Excellent communication and welcoming manner from Dr Bhimalingham. Reassuring, thorough, explaining treatment etc

22nd February 2025

Mr Whittle has a lovely calm and confident manner

28th January 2025

Great job

23rd January 2025

It is a good practice all round.

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