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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 St Anne's Dental Practice to see a dentist as soon as possible, rather than waiting for routine dental health review.

How will the dentist treat my toothache?

Your St Anne's Dental Practice 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 St Anne's Dental Practice 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 or discomfort, contact St Anne's Dental Practice in Lewes as soon as possible. Give us a call on 01273 473189.

Patient Reviews

People are talking about us

The biggest complement we receive is when our patients refer their friends and family to St Anne's Dental Practice. 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

716 Reviews

5.0

2nd July 2025

Great welcome from reception, very thorough session at the hygienist,was good to feel relax. Good check up .

2nd July 2025

I've always been nervous and all the staff our lovely and my dentist is brilliant .l've been with this practice for along time and would not go anywhere else we'll done all of you .

1st July 2025

Professionalism and friendliness of ALLthe staff.

27th June 2025

Last minute appointment, but everyone was lovely. Adam explained everything clearly and offered to write me a treatment programme.

25th June 2025

St Anne's has always been a very friendly and comfortable practice, moving with the times but maintaining and improving standards over time.I would readily recommend them to anyone, especially those who, like me, have been largely inattentive to dental care and hygiene from an early age.

25th June 2025

Friendly professional staffRelaxed atmosphere

25th June 2025

Options clearly explained and selected jointly based on best likely outcome.

17th June 2025

Rekah, hygienist, was very professional, explained everything about the procedure. She was very gentle & took time to offer advice when using electric toothbrush. The treatment was excellent & I looked forward to seeing her on my next appointment.

16th June 2025

I was afraid of the dentist from bad childhood experiences until I attended st annes.. I now look forward to seeing my dentist as she always puts me at ease, is respectful and caring. I feel that I am in good hands.

16th June 2025

Excellent treatment.

15th June 2025

Waited only a few minutes to be seen. Dentist chatty and welcoming - remebers things about me. Doesn't do unnecessary treatment. Talks through options. Recptionist efficient and friendly

13th June 2025

The staff are very welcoming and efficient. I get the treatment scheduled and a clear explanation of everything that goes on

13th June 2025

The dentist took time to explain the treatment. I did not get the feeling there was any rush.

12th June 2025

Very professional, efficient and friendly. Highly skilled dentist.

12th June 2025

Friendly with sense of humour.

10th June 2025

Friendly, relaxed and caring

10th June 2025

Care of clinicians. Highly skilled and nice people with it. The process is also very smooth

6th June 2025

the staff are always very helpful and Adam very considerate and explains everything about the procedure and will answer your questions and explain any alternatives if there are any and what you should consider before you make your choice.His bedside manner is just what you what if you have any reservations about dentists.The practice is very lucky to have him.

5th June 2025

Friendly and highly efficient

5th June 2025

Honourable, helpful, competent, professional and kind staff throughout the practice from practice manager, dentist, hygienist, dental nurse to receptionist. The very best practice in Sussex. It is a pleasure to continue to recommend them to family & friends.

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