Toothache Causes and Relief: When to See a Dentist (UK Guide)

Last updated: December 2025. Information verified against NHS.uk guidance and current NHS dental charges (valid until April 2026).

If you're reading this with a throbbing tooth, you're likely looking for answers — and fast. Toothache is one of the most common reasons people search for dental help in the UK, with good reason: the pain can be intense, disruptive, and worrying.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about toothache: what causes it, how to relieve it safely at home, when to see a dentist, and what treatment will cost on the NHS or privately.

What Causes Toothache?

Understanding what's causing your pain helps you know how urgently you need treatment. According to the NHS, the most common causes of toothache include:

Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is the most common cause of toothache. It happens when bacteria in your mouth create a sticky layer called plaque, which gradually damages your teeth over time.

"Tooth decay may initially present without symptoms, but can progress to cause pain. In severe cases, infection can develop, resulting in a painful abscess." — NHS, Tooth Decay

Signs of tooth decay include:

• Sharp pain when eating or drinking hot, cold, or sweet things
• White, brown, or black spots on teeth
• Persistent toothache

Dental Abscess

A dental abscess is more serious and requires prompt attention. It's a build-up of pus in the teeth or gums caused by bacterial infection.

"A dental abscess is a build-up of pus in the teeth or gums caused by an infection." — NHS, Dental Abscess

Symptoms of a dental abscess:

• Intense, throbbing pain
• Redness inside the mouth or on the face/jaw
• Sensitivity to hot and cold
• Unpleasant taste in your mouth
• Difficulty chewing or opening your mouth fully
• Swollen face or jaw
• High temperature

Important: A dental abscess will not go away without professional treatment. If you suspect you have an abscess, contact a dentist or NHS 111 immediately.

Types of Tooth Pain and What They Mean

The type of pain you experience can indicate what's causing it:

Why Does Toothache Get Worse at Night?

If your toothache seems unbearable at night, you're not imagining it. There are several reasons why tooth pain intensifies when you lie down:

1. Blood pressure changes — Lying flat increases blood flow to your head, putting more pressure on sensitive areas
2. Fewer distractions — During the day, activities keep your mind occupied; at night, there's nothing to distract you from the pain
3. Teeth grinding — Many people grind their teeth in their sleep without realising
4. Lack of saliva — We produce less saliva when sleeping, which normally helps wash away bacteria

Tips for managing nighttime toothache:

• Sleep with your head slightly elevated
• Avoid eating late, especially sugary foods
• Take painkillers before bed (following packet instructions)
• Use a cold compress on your cheek before lying down

Safe Toothache Relief at Home

While you wait to see a dentist, there are NHS-approved ways to manage the pain at home.

What You Can Do

The NHS recommends the following for temporary toothache relief:

"Take painkillers, like ibuprofen or paracetamol. Use a pain-relieving gel for your mouth — this can be bought from pharmacies. Try rinsing your mouth with salt water. Eat soft foods, like yoghurt or scrambled eggs. Use a soft toothbrush and avoid flossing around the sore tooth." — NHS, Toothache

Step-by-step salt water rinse:

1. Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in warm (not hot) water
2. Swish the solution around your mouth for 30-60 seconds
3. Spit it out — do not swallow
4. Repeat 2-3 times daily

Over-the-counter pain relief:

• Paracetamol — safe for most adults and children
• Ibuprofen — also reduces inflammation (not suitable for everyone)
• Dental pain gels — contain local anaesthetic for targeted relief

"If you're in pain while waiting for a dental appointment, you can ask a pharmacist for advice on taking painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen." — NHS, Emergency Dental Care

What NOT to Do

The NHS also warns against certain actions:

• Don't eat sweet, very hot, or very cold foods — these can aggravate the pain
• Don't smoke — smoking can make dental problems worse
• Don't visit your GP — GPs cannot provide dental treatment; you need a dentist

Cold Compress

Applying a cold compress (wrapped in a cloth) to your cheek can help reduce swelling and numb the area. Apply for 15-20 minutes at a time with breaks in between.

When to See a Dentist

Not all toothache requires immediate attention, but you shouldn't ignore persistent or severe pain.

See a Dentist If Your Toothache:

The NHS advises seeing a dentist if your toothache:

"Lasts more than 2 days, does not go away when you take painkillers, with a high temperature, pain when you bite, red gums, or a bad taste in your mouth, and your cheek or jaw is swollen." — NHS, Toothache

Summary — See a dentist if:

• Pain lasts more than 2 days
• Painkillers don't help
• You have a high temperature
• You have pain when biting
• Your gums are red or bleeding
• You notice a bad taste in your mouth
• Your cheek or jaw is swollen

Urgent Dental Care via NHS 111

If you can't get an emergency appointment with your regular dentist, NHS 111 can help.

Contact NHS 111 if you have:

• Severe tooth or mouth pain affecting your sleep or daily activities that painkillers don't help
• A knocked-out tooth or mouth injury
• Swelling, a lump, or patch in your mouth that's getting bigger
• Severe pain or bleeding after a tooth extraction
• A broken filling, denture, crown, or veneer

"You should be offered urgent dental treatment within 24 hours or 7 days, depending on your symptoms." — NHS, Emergency Dental Care

When to Go to A&E

Most toothache does not require A&E. However, some symptoms indicate a potentially serious infection that needs immediate emergency care.

"Go to A&E if you have toothache and: the area around your eye or your neck is swollen, swelling in your mouth or neck is making it difficult for you to breathe, swallow or speak." — NHS, Toothache

Call 999 or go to A&E immediately if you have:

• Swelling around your eye or neck
• Difficulty breathing
• Difficulty swallowing or speaking
• Eye swelling, pain, or vision changes
• Severe swelling in your mouth

How Much Does Toothache Treatment Cost?

Understanding NHS dental charges helps you plan for the cost of treatment. Most toothache treatments fall under Band 2.

NHS Dental Charges (England, 2025/26)

"Band 2 covers everything listed in Band 1, plus any further treatment, such as fillings, root canal work, or if your dentist needs to take out one or more of your teeth." — NHS, What is included in each NHS dental band charge

Important: If you need treatment from multiple bands, you only pay for the highest band. For example, if you need an X-ray (Band 1) and a filling (Band 2), you pay £75.30 total, not both charges combined.

Regional Variations Across the UK

NHS dental charges differ across the UK nations:

Good news for Scotland: NHS dental treatment is completely free for all patients in Scotland.

Who Gets Free NHS Dental Treatment?

You may be entitled to free or reduced-cost NHS dental treatment if you fall into certain categories.

Automatically entitled to free treatment:

• Under 18 years old (or under 19 in full-time education)
• Pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months
• Receiving certain benefits (Income Support, Pension Credit Guarantee Credit, Universal Credit with qualifying income thresholds)
• Receiving NHS hospital dental treatment
• Hold an HC2 certificate (full help) from the NHS Low Income Scheme

Free dental examinations only:

• Aged 18-24
• Aged 60 and over

"You can get free NHS dental appointments and treatment if you're aged under 18, or under 19 and in full-time education." — NHS, Who can get free NHS dental treatment

Warning: Check your entitlement before claiming free treatment. If you claim incorrectly, you could face a penalty charge of up to £100.

Private Treatment Costs

Private dental treatment typically costs more than NHS care but may offer shorter wait times and more treatment options.

Typical private costs for toothache treatment:

• Consultation: £40-£100
• Fillings: £90-£250
• Root canal: £300-£700
• Extraction: £100-£350

Prices vary significantly between practices and locations. Always request a treatment plan with costs before agreeing to private treatment.

What to Expect at Your Dental Appointment

Knowing what happens during a dental appointment can help ease any anxiety about seeking treatment.

Diagnosis

Your dentist will:

1. Ask about your symptoms and when they started
2. Examine your mouth, teeth, and gums
3. Tap on teeth to check for sensitivity
4. May take X-rays to see inside the tooth and bone

Common Treatments for Toothache

Depending on the cause, your dentist may recommend:

"Root canal treatment usually takes 2 or more appointments. The appointments may last 1 to 2 hours, or sometimes longer." — NHS, Root canal treatment

How to Prevent Toothache

Prevention is always better than cure. Following good oral hygiene habits significantly reduces your risk of toothache.

Daily habits to prevent toothache:

• Brush teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
• Spit after brushing — don't rinse (keeps fluoride on teeth)
• Floss or use interdental brushes daily
• Limit sugary foods and drinks
• Don't smoke

Regular dental care:

• Visit your dentist regularly (every 1-2 years for adults, annually for children)
• Don't skip appointments even when teeth feel fine
• Address small problems before they become painful

"See a dentist regularly for check-ups — every 2 years (or annually for those under 18)." — NHS, Tooth Decay

Frequently Asked Questions About Toothache

Can I take ibuprofen and paracetamol together for toothache?

Yes, adults can safely take paracetamol and ibuprofen together for severe pain, as they work in different ways. Always follow the dosage instructions on each packet and don't exceed the maximum daily dose of either medication.

How long does toothache last?

This depends on the cause. Minor sensitivity may resolve in a few days. However, pain from decay, infection, or damage will not go away on its own and will likely worsen without treatment.

Why won't my GP see me for toothache?

GPs are not trained to diagnose or treat dental problems and don't have the equipment needed. The NHS advises contacting a dentist or NHS 111 for all dental issues.

Can an abscess go away without treatment?

No. A dental abscess is a bacterial infection that will not resolve without professional treatment. Left untreated, it can spread to other parts of your body and become dangerous.

Is toothache a dental emergency?

It depends on severity. Persistent pain lasting more than 2 days, severe swelling, or symptoms affecting breathing/swallowing are urgent or emergency situations. Mild, temporary sensitivity is not an emergency.

What if I can't find an NHS dentist accepting patients?

Contact NHS 111 online or by phone. They can help you find urgent dental care in your area. You can also contact your local Integrated Care Board (ICB), which manages dental services in your region.

Find a Dentist for Toothache Treatment

Don't suffer in silence. If your toothache has lasted more than two days or you're experiencing severe symptoms, it's time to see a dental professional.

Your next steps:

1. If you have a regular dentist, call them for an appointment
2. If you need urgent care, contact NHS 111 online or by phone
3. Use our dental practice finder to locate a dentist near you accepting patients

Early treatment for toothache is almost always simpler, less painful, and less expensive than waiting until the problem becomes severe. Take action today and get the care you need.