HDG NEWS
Is My Toothache an Emergency?
Advice from a Hertfordshire Dentist
1st February 2026
If you’ve never experienced toothache before, it can be hard to imagine just how disruptive it can be. Tooth pain isn’t just a mild inconvenience - it can affect your sleep, your ability to eat, your concentration at work, and even your mood. In fact, recent UK data shows that nearly 1 in 3 people have taken time off work due to dental pain, amounting to millions of lost working days each year.
At Hertfordshire Dental Group, we often advise patients on how to recognise a dental emergency and when to seek care. Understanding the signs of serious tooth issues can help you take action before problems worsen.
What Can Cause Toothache?
The pain you're feeling could be caused by anything from minor sensitivity to a serious infection that needs immediate attention.
Common causes of toothache include:
Tooth decay – cavities that have worked their way deep into the tooth
Dental abscess – a painful infection building up at the tooth root
Cracked, chipped or damaged teeth – even small fractures can cause significant pain
Loose or broken fillings – exposing the sensitive inner tooth
Impacted wisdom teeth – teeth that can't fully emerge and become trapped
Orthodontic issues – problems with braces or other dental appliances
Gum disease – infection and inflammation affecting the tissues around your teeth
Teeth grinding (bruxism) – unconscious clenching that wears down teeth and causes pain
Sometimes, pain can also be linked to tooth sensitivity. If you notice short, sharp discomfort when drinking hot coffee or eating ice cream, this could be due to exposed dentine. This often happens when gums recede or if teeth are brushed too aggressively, exposing the more sensitive root surface.
The key message? Don't ignore tooth pain. What starts as a minor ache can quickly develop into something more serious. The sooner we identify the cause, the simpler (and less expensive) the treatment is likely to be.
When Is Toothache an Emergency?
Not every toothache requires immediate treatment - but some definitely do.
You should contact a dentist as soon as possible if your toothache:
Lasts more than two days
Doesn’t improve with painkillers
Is accompanied by fever
Causes pain when biting down
Comes with red, inflamed gums
Leaves a bad taste in your mouth
Causes swelling in your cheek or jaw
Swelling should never be ignored, as it often signals infection - and dental infections do not clear up on their own. In rare but serious cases where swelling spreads to the eye or neck area, or begins to affect your breathing, swallowing or speech, you should go straight to A&E, as this requires urgent medical attention.
How to Ease Toothache While Waiting for Your Appointment
While you’re waiting to be seen, there are ways to manage discomfort safely:
Take painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol (a pharmacist can advise you; children under 16 should not take aspirin).
Use an over-the-counter oral pain-relief gel.
Rinse gently with warm salt water (adults only).
Eat soft foods such as yoghurt, soup or scrambled eggs.
Use a soft toothbrush.
Floss gently around the area in case trapped food is contributing to the pain.
Apply a cold compress externally if there is facial swelling.
Avoid very sweet, hot, or cold foods, chewing on the painful side, and smoking, as these can worsen discomfort.
What Happens If a Tooth Needs to Be Removed?
In some cases, removing the tooth is the best option to eliminate pain and prevent further infection. At Hertfordshire Dental Group, patient comfort is always our priority. If a tooth extraction is necessary:
We begin with detailed assessment and X-rays to understand the tooth’s position and root structure.
In straightforward cases, the tooth can be gently removed under local anaesthetic.
If the tooth has complex roots or is impacted, a minor surgical procedure may be required.
Our experienced team ensures the process is as quick, safe and comfortable as possible - and we will always discuss replacement options with you where appropriate.
How to Prevent Toothache
Prevention is always better than cure. The best way to avoid toothache is to maintain healthy teeth and gums.
We recommend:
-
Attending regular dental check-ups and hygienist appointments at our Hertford or Ware dental practices
Cutting down on sugary foods and drinks (save them for mealtimes rather than frequent snacking)
Brushing twice daily for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste
Cleaning between teeth daily using floss or interdental brushes
Replacing your toothbrush regularly
Seeking advice if you grind your teeth
Routine dental health examinations allow us to detect small problems before they become painful emergencies.
What to Do If You Have a Dental Emergency in Hertfordshire
If you are experiencing toothache during working hours, contact our practice as early as possible. We hold daily emergency appointments to help patients in pain.
If the practice is closed, we operate an on-call emergency system.
Simply call:
01920 897678
and follow the instructions on the answer machine for urgent care support.
The longer tooth pain is left untreated, the more complex - and potentially costly - the solution can become.
Don’t Suffer in Silence
Toothache can feel overwhelming - but you don’t have to manage it alone. Whether your pain is mild, persistent or severe, the team at Hertfordshire Dental Group is here to help.
Nothing is more rewarding for us than seeing a patient free from pain and smiling again.
If you’re unsure whether your toothache is an emergency, don’t wait and hope it improves. Call us today to arrange an appointment and let us take care of the problem before it gets worse.
