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We currently have our building up for sale as we are relocating Transform Smiles to another location in the Chichester area. While this is happening we are open as usual for all your dental needs.

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We will be in touch with all our patients with any further updates.

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 Transform Smiles to see a dentist as soon as possible, rather than waiting for routine dental health review.

How will the dentist treat my toothache?

Your Transform Smiles 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 Transform Smiles 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 Transform Smiles in Chichester as soon as possible. Give us a call on 01243 533019.

Dentist

Daniel Quiney

Daniel graduated from Cardiff School of Dentistry in 2015. Prior to studying dentistry he graduated from Exeter University with an MEng in Mechanical Engineering. Daniel prides himself on his calm and caring approach. He always takes the time to listen to patients and make sure they fully understand. His gentle approach is ideal for anxious or phobic patients. Daniel enjoys providing routine care...

Daniel Quiney
Patient Reviews

People are talking about us

The biggest compliment we receive is when our patients refer their friends and family to Transform Smiles. 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… Leave us a google review

Patient reviews

131 Reviews

5.0

27th November 2024

Harry the dentist and the receptionist are so lovely they make you so comfortable when you attend the clinic.

B

BC

I was very apprehensive about having a lower denture, but Andrew and Daniel did a great job. I hardly know I have a denture and would recommend Transform Smiles to anyone.

12th November 2024

I had an issue and needed advice, I was booked in for an appointment immediately. The treatment was routine for them and they managed to get me sorted within 20 minutes while still offering support, answering questions, worries. I am a nervous patient, and it has taken me 4 visits to get to know them and they have been very kind, non-judgmental and supportive.

AT

Aitch Thompson

Fantastic staff

30th October 2024

I received a warm welcome upon entering. I arrived a week earlier than my scheduled appointment but the staff happily fitted me in anyway. All staff were polite & helpful. There was a happy atmosphere & the place was very clean.

23rd October 2024

Value for money. Kind caring staff. Pain free treatment.

AF

Alexandra Finch

What a fantastic dental practice, thank you Daniel for your excellent treatment and thank you Andrew for my new smile!

23rd October 2024

It is a great dental practise and always receive the best care and attention.

22nd October 2024

Professional and friendly clinic

17th October 2024

Always great service and very pleased with the outcome. The only this that’s annoying is having to write so much in this box!

16th October 2024

I am so glad that I have found this practice - everyone is very kind, empathetic and thoughtful. Friendly welcoming and professional - thank you.

10th October 2024

Personal, helpful guidance through the treatment process, which didn't feel rushed.Time was taken to ask my questions and offer reassurance over any concerns I had.

24th September 2024

Every time I have visited this Dentist, I have come away after treatment and felt that I was well informed of the treatment I was about to receive and well looked after.

VL

Vinelee Lee

Wow, that's all I can say, Harry was amazing from the time we meet him. My daughter has special needs and I was a bit worried on how all the treatment would go.. well he was so patient and kind, made her feel at ease. She had teeth taken out, and she didn't feel a thing. So happy that we found Harry, she didn't need to have impressions either as he had a special scanner.. which made things easier for her.. thank you Harry for being so kind. Also Veronica you fitted us and made us feel welcome, thank you Fiona

14th August 2024

The dentist has been very supportive and the nice man who shown me the dental options was really lovely and explained everything

7th August 2024

Helpful receptionist. Great dentists.

10th July 2024

I’m a very anxious patient,with a gagging problem, I am pleased with the treatment I’m having ,staff have a lot of patience with me

25th June 2024

They are excellent, so helpful and always sort out any issue.

BH

Ben Harrison

Amazing service and treatment from Toby Hancock. Very welcoming and friendly.

18th June 2024

Receptionist was very nice, all dental work was carried out very professionally. The room and equipment was spotlessly clean, both the dentist and dental nurse were very nice and kind. They kept checking i was ok, talked me through it, stopped to listen and gave me breaks, fitted me in on the day and patched up another tooth when i asked them. I was very happy when i left and everybody was so nice, i can’t thank them enough.

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