Toothache

A toothache is a common occurrence with various potential causes, ranging from a small cavity to gum inflammation. Read more about the symptoms and causes of toothache on this page. You will also find useful tips and answers to frequently asked questions.

Are you currently suffering from a toothache? Make an appointment with Tandzorg Kralingen in Rotterdam. Toothache always has an underlying cause that must be treated by a professional dentist. At Tandzorg Kralingen, we take the time to examine you and alleviate your symptoms.

What is a toothache?

A toothache is often characterised by unexpected pain in the mouth. This pain may feel like throbbing, stabbing or a persistent ache that gradually intensifies. Consuming cold or hot foods can also cause sensitivity. Toothache can occur in two ways: acute or chronic. It can come on suddenly and intensely, or start gradually and then worsen. If you suspect an infection, it is advisable to contact a dentist immediately.

Symptoms of a toothache

It is very important to have a toothache treated promptly, as waiting can lead to more complicated treatment. Contact us immediately if you recognise any of the following symptoms:

• Sensitive teeth when consuming hot or cold food
• Acute throbbing pain in the tooth or molar
• A swollen, thick cheek
• Painful teeth or molars
• Toothache when chewing
• Pain in the gums when brushing
• Headache caused by toothache
• Red and swollen gums
• Bleeding gums

It is crucial to address these complaints early on for effective treatment. Our expert dentists are ready to provide the care you need.

Causes of toothache

As mentioned, toothaches can manifest in various ways and have different causes. We distinguish between chronic, mild pain and an acute, sharp toothache. But what causes a toothache? The most common causes are:

I have worked at this practice for 20 years. I was always afraid to go to the dentist as a child, but the dentist’s patience and explanations helped me to overcome that fear. I now live in Hoek van Holland, and I have no intention of looking for a new dentist. I would recommend this practice to anyone.! — Lisette Roosenburg

Treating a toothache

Dental pain should be treated by a dentist as soon as possible. The treatment you receive will depend on the underlying cause. To determine this, the dentist will usually take an X-ray of your teeth. They will then draw up a personalised treatment plan to relieve your toothache as quickly as possible.

The following are common treatments for toothache or dental pain:

Toothache or dental pain caused by caries/cavities

If your toothache is caused by a cavity, the dentist will clean and fill the tooth. If this is no longer possible, however, the tooth will need to be extracted. To fill the resulting space, a crown or implant can be placed.

A toothache or dental pain can be caused by gum inflammation.

If you have gum inflammation, the dentist will remove any plaque or tartar. If the plaque or tartar is located deep beneath the gums, the dentist will perform flap surgery to remove it.

Toothache or dental pain caused by inflammation of the root canal

If you have inflamed roots, the dentist will need to perform a root canal treatment. This involves removing the nerve that is causing the pain in order to treat the inflammation and eliminate the toothache. You can read more about root canal treatment at Tandzorg Kralingen.

A toothache or dental pain can be caused by wisdom teeth

Crookedly growing wisdom teeth can cause toothache. A dentist or oral surgeon can remove these teeth to remedy the pain.

A reliable dentist in Rotterdam

At Tandzorg Kralingen, all our dentists are registered with the Quality Register for Dentists (KRT). This demonstrates that our dentists are qualified and competent. To maintain this registration, they must meet a number of standards. This means that our dentists:

• Be certified and have a valid BIG registration.
• Take refresher and continuing education courses to stay up to date in their field.
• Work according to practical guidelines.
• Be open and accountable to colleagues and patients.
• Speak fluent Dutch.

Rest assured that at Tandzorg Kralingen, you will be treated by dentists who adhere to the highest quality and professional standards.

Tips for toothache or dental pain

If you have a toothache, make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible, as treatment is necessary to provide long-lasting relief. In the meantime, here are a few tips to help relieve your toothache:

• Take a painkiller to relieve the pain, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.
• Hold an ice pack against the painful area to temporarily numb it.
• Rinse your mouth with warm, lightly salted water or herbal tea.
• Put some cloves in your mouth and chew them to temporarily relieve toothache.

Frequently asked questions about toothache and dental pain

How can I prevent toothache?

Prevention is better than cure. Therefore, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene and visit the dentist at least twice a year for a regular check-up. Visiting the dental hygienist regularly also reduces the risk of toothache. In addition, here are a few more tips for maintaining good oral health:

Brush twice a day

To prevent tooth decay, it is important to brush your teeth thoroughly twice a day. This removes bacteria, plaque and food debris, thereby preventing tooth erosion

Use the right toothbrush

Use a toothbrush with a soft brush head to protect your gums and replace your toothbrush every three months. It is not necessary to brush hard to get clean teeth, so brush your teeth gently but thoroughly.

Fluoride toothpaste

There are many different types of toothpaste on the market. It is important that your toothpaste contains fluoride. Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and reduces the risk of cavities.

Consider your diet

Your diet has a significant impact on your oral health. Therefore, avoid or reduce your intake of foods that are harmful to your teeth. These include fruit juices, soft drinks, sugar, and sweets. Good alternatives include milk, tea, water, yoghurt, vegetables, and cheese.

How long will my mouth remain sensitive after a filling?

After a filling, you may experience pain for a few days, especially if the filling is close to the root of the tooth. On average, this pain will subside after two to three days, depending on the type of treatment. In the case of root canal treatment, you may experience residual pain for up to two weeks after the treatment. If the pain persists, it is advisable to contact us for further assessment and advice.

How many painkillers may I take for toothache?

We understand that inflammation can be painful. The maximum recommended dose of your painkillers varies per medication and per person. Read the package leaflet of your painkillers carefully to find out how many painkillers you are allowed to take.

Make an appointment in Rotterdam to have your toothache treated

Are you experiencing pain in a tooth or molar, do you have questions about toothache or dental pain, or would you like to make an appointment at Tandzorg Kralingen? Please feel free to contact us via 010 414 2248 or fill in the contact form so we can determine the cause of your pain and remedy your toothache or dental pain.