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GETTING TO THE ROOT OF TOOTHACHE
HOW TO SUPPORT SUFFERERS WITH ADVICE AND FAST-ACTING PAIN RELIEF
Understand the causes and symptoms of toothache
Be able to recommend appropriate pain relief for customers with toothache
Know when customers should be referred to their dentist or A&E.
Toothache can be excruciatingly painful and is a frequent reason for absence from work or school.1
Toothache occurs when the innermost layer of the tooth, the dental pulp, becomes inflamed. The dental pulp is made up of sensitive nerves and blood vessels.2
Dental pulp can become inflamed as a result of many factors, including:2
Tooth decay
A cracked tooth
Loose or broken fillings
Receding gums
An abscess around the root of the tooth.
The main symptom of toothache is pain in and around the teeth and jaws. The pain can be mild or severe; it may come and go or be there constantly. The pain may be worse at night, particularly when the person is lying down. Some people find that eating or drinking can make the pain worse, especially if the food is particularly hot or cold.2
Prevention advice2
Customers should be advised to keep their teeth and gums as healthy as possible to avoid getting toothache and other dental problems.
Click through the carousel to see what advice you can share with them
Limit intake of sugary foods and drinks to occasional treats, and only at mealtimes
Brush teeth twice a day using toothpaste that contains 1350ppm to 1500ppm (parts per million) of fluoride, which helps to prevent tooth decay.3 Gently brush the gums and tongue as well
Clean between the teeth using interdental brushes, dental floss or a water flosser
Don’t smoke, as this can make some dental problems worse
Have regular dental check-ups, ideally with the same dentist
Content developed by Church & Dwight working together with CIG Healthcare Partnership.
© 2025 CIG Healthcare Partnership
October 2025