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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 The Mayhill Dental and Specialist 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 The Mayhill Dental and Specialist 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 The Mayhill Dental and Specialist 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 or discomfort, contact The Mayhill Dental and Specialist Centre in Monmouth as soon as possible. Give us a call on 01600 712020 .

Patient Reviews

People are talking about us

The biggest complement we receive is when our patients refer their friends and family to The Mayhill Dental and Specialist 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…

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Patient reviews

740 Reviews

5.0
JT

john william tarnate

I was extremely impressed by the professionalism and compassion demonstrated by both the dentist and the manager who were present during my treatment. They were attentive to my needs, made every effort to ensure I was at ease, and provided a high standard of care throughout the entire procedure, which made the experience exceptionally comfortable and reassuring.

18th May 2025

I've had invisaligns treatment. Work carried out prior to starting the course was exceptional and so far the past 12 weeks have gone very well. Very happy with my treatment and care.

15th May 2025

This is the best dental practice I’ve ever used and as I’m a few decades old, I’ve been to a lot of them! Everyone is so incredibly friendly and professional. The reception team are always like seeing old friends again because of the warmth of their approach and the building is always spotless. I see Ben Cross for Invisalign treatment and he’s made a huge difference to my life. So many dentist have told me my jaw was the issue and nothing could be done. I would never smile properly for photos and was so conscious when I spoke in meetings or delivered presentations. Yet here I am with my teeth almost perfect. I love the change it’s made, I love how Ben had managed my care and I’m so, so incredibly grateful to have been given my smile back.

15th May 2025

Dr Ben is amazing! He’s so talented, gentle, polite, kind and explained everything with me so detailed and so helpful! The receptionists are outstanding too, very friendly, polite and helpful

CG

Claire Gordon

Wow I can not recommend this practice enough first class treatment from my dentist and the team are so friendly and professional. The manager Chris was also excellent with my scan and talking me through things he was so witty and this put me at ease straight away he also had a lovely smile so I knew I was in good hands. It was all round perfection thanks everyone

SS

Suzie Simpkins

Lovely practice, and friendly team.

13th May 2025

Really satisfying experience — such a lovely team. Everyone was professional without losing the human touch. Warm, kind, and reassuring from start to finish.

12th May 2025

Clinicians excellent knowledge of my dental history and provided excellent treatment

12th May 2025

The hygienist is always efficient and caring. The dentist explained everything I needed to feel satisfied with the check up and provided additional checks that weren't available when I started at the Mayhill.

9th May 2025

The reception staff and clinicians are always polite and efficient and punctual so I’m satisfied with the treatment I receive .

8th May 2025

Keep up the good work.

4th May 2025

Very professional approach but also sensitive to the patient and although my procedure was not the most pleasant, I felt very well looked after and comfortable during the treatment.

4th May 2025

The pain , fear free experience.The professional kindness , approachability and friendliness of the staff what ever their role within the practice.

1st May 2025

I was given careful, well thought out explanations of each step of my treatment. I did not feel patronised and my questions were treated with respect throughout my treatment.

30th April 2025

High quality facilities, equipment and environment plus excellent team

26th April 2025

The people are fabulous and David Guppy is a dental genious

25th April 2025

The reception ladies are amazing, lovely attitudes, always happy to re-arrange/ answer enquiries arrange applicants via emails, super accommodating, we will miss them when we leave.Orthodontist Ben is great, knowledgable and personable, would recommend his services to anyone with children needing braces etc

18th April 2025

All staff are very professional and listen too and answer one's concerns, they are very competent in their work.

17th April 2025

Great staff and very welcoming

17th April 2025

Travel from Cardiff in order for David to continue looking after me as I trust him

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