Should I go to A&E for a toothache?

Generally no, unless you have severe swelling that affects your breathing or swallowing, or uncontrollable bleeding. A dental clinic is better equipped to diagnose and treat tooth pain than a hospital emergency department. Trust Dental Surgery offers same-week appointments so you can be seen quickly.

Can a toothache go away on its own?

Sometimes mild sensitivity from temperature changes or minor irritation can resolve on its own. However, a true toothache caused by decay, infection, or a cracked tooth will not heal without treatment and will almost always worsen over time. Seeing a dentist early prevents the problem from becoming more complex and costly.

How much does emergency dental treatment cost?

At Trust Dental Surgery, a consultation and X-ray assessment is the first step. Treatment costs depend on the diagnosis — fillings, root canal treatment (from $650), or extraction costs vary based on complexity. CHAS subsidies are available for eligible patients. All prices are before GST (9%).

What painkiller is best for toothache?

Ibuprofen is generally the most effective over-the-counter painkiller for dental pain because it reduces both pain and inflammation. Paracetamol is also an option if you cannot take ibuprofen. Never place aspirin directly on the gum — it can cause a chemical burn to the tissue. Over-the-counter pain relief is a temporary measure; always see a dentist for lasting relief.

What to Do When You Have a Toothache | Trust Dental Surgery Singapore

What Causes a Toothache?

Tooth pain is your body's way of telling you something is wrong. Understanding the underlying cause is the first step towards getting the right treatment. The most common causes include:

Tooth Decay (Cavities)

This is the most frequent culprit. When bacteria in your mouth produce acids that eat through the tooth enamel, a cavity forms. In the early stages you may feel no pain at all, but once the decay reaches the softer dentine layer or the nerve inside the tooth, the pain can become intense — especially when eating sweet, hot, or cold foods.

Dental Infection or Abscess

If a cavity is left untreated, bacteria can reach the pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth) and cause an infection. This can lead to a dental abscess — a pocket of pus that forms at the root of the tooth. Abscesses typically cause severe, persistent, throbbing pain that may radiate to the jaw, ear, or neck. This requires urgent treatment.

Cracked or Fractured Tooth

A crack in the tooth can expose the sensitive inner layers. You may notice sharp pain when biting down or when eating hot or cold foods. Cracks are not always visible to the naked eye, so an X-ray or special examination by your dentist may be needed to identify them.

Gum Disease

Advanced gum disease (periodontitis) can cause aching pain around the teeth as the supporting bone and tissue break down. You may also notice swollen, bleeding gums or teeth that feel loose.

Other Causes

Less common causes include an impacted wisdom tooth pressing against neighbouring teeth, teeth grinding (bruxism) wearing down enamel, a damaged filling or crown, or sinus congestion putting pressure on the upper back teeth.

Immediate Steps to Manage Toothache Pain at Home

While home remedies are not a substitute for professional treatment, they can help you manage the pain until you can see a dentist.

Rinse with warm salt water. Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and swish gently for 30 seconds. Salt water helps reduce inflammation and can dislodge food debris trapped around the tooth.
Take over-the-counter painkillers. Ibuprofen is generally the most effective option for dental pain because it reduces both pain and inflammation. Paracetamol is a suitable alternative if you cannot take ibuprofen. Follow the dosage instructions on the packaging.
Apply a cold compress. Hold an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a cloth against your cheek for 15–20 minutes at a time. This helps numb the area and reduce swelling.
Avoid trigger foods. Stay away from very hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks that may aggravate the pain. Try to chew on the opposite side of your mouth.
Keep your head elevated. When lying down, prop your head up with an extra pillow. This reduces blood flow to the area and can lessen throbbing pain at night.

Important: Never place aspirin directly on your gum or against the tooth. This is a common home remedy that does more harm than good — aspirin is acidic and can cause a chemical burn to the soft tissue of your gums.

When to See a Dentist Urgently

Some toothaches require prompt professional attention. You should book an emergency dental appointment if you experience any of the following:

Pain lasting more than 1–2 days that does not improve with over-the-counter painkillers.
Swelling in the face, jaw, or gums — this may indicate an abscess or spreading infection.
Fever — a sign that infection may be spreading beyond the tooth.
Pus or a foul taste in your mouth — this strongly suggests an abscess that needs to be drained.
A broken or knocked-out tooth — act quickly, as some teeth can be saved if treated within the first hour.
Difficulty opening your mouth, swallowing, or breathing — this is a medical emergency. Go to A&E immediately.

Do not wait for the pain to become unbearable. The earlier a dental problem is treated, the simpler and less costly the treatment is likely to be.

What to Expect at the Dentist

If you are nervous about visiting the dentist for a toothache, knowing what to expect can help put your mind at ease.

Your dentist will begin with a thorough examination of the affected tooth and surrounding area. They will ask about your symptoms — when the pain started, what makes it better or worse, and whether you have had any swelling or fever. An X-ray is usually taken to see what is happening beneath the surface, such as decay between teeth, infection at the root, or a crack that is not visible.

Based on the findings, your dentist will explain the diagnosis clearly and walk you through the recommended treatment options. At Trust Dental Surgery, we believe in helping you understand your condition so you can make an informed decision — with no pressure.

Treatment Options at Trust Dental

The right treatment depends on the cause of your toothache. Here are some of the most common options we offer at Trust Dental Surgery.

Dental Fillings

If the pain is caused by a cavity that has not yet reached the nerve, a filling is usually all that is needed. The decayed portion of the tooth is removed and replaced with a durable filling material. This is a straightforward procedure that can often be completed in a single visit.

Root Canal Treatment

When decay or infection has reached the nerve inside the tooth, a root canal is needed to save it. The infected pulp is removed, the canals are cleaned and disinfected, and the tooth is sealed and restored with a crown. Despite its reputation, modern root canal treatment is performed under local anaesthesia and is no more uncomfortable than having a filling. Root canal treatment at Trust Dental starts from $650. For patients aged 60 and above, Flexi-MediSave can be used — up to $200 per year for outpatient dental treatments including root canals.

Tooth Extraction

If the tooth is too damaged to be saved, extraction may be the best option. Your dentist will discuss tooth replacement options such as dental implants or bridges to restore your smile and chewing function after the extraction site has healed.

Scaling and Polishing

If your toothache is related to gum disease, a professional scaling and polishing (from $85) removes the plaque and tartar build-up causing the inflammation. This is often the first step in managing gum-related pain.

Medisave and CHAS

Trust Dental Surgery is both Medisave and CHAS accredited. CHAS subsidies are available for eligible patients, helping to reduce out-of-pocket costs for consultations and certain treatments. Our team will help you understand what you are eligible for and handle the paperwork. All prices listed are before GST (9%).

How to Prevent Toothaches

Most toothaches are preventable with consistent oral care and regular dental visits. Here is what you can do:

Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, paying careful attention to the gumline and back teeth.
Floss daily to remove plaque and food particles from between teeth where your toothbrush cannot reach.
Limit sugary foods and drinks — sugar feeds the bacteria that cause decay.
Visit your dentist every 6 months for a check-up and professional cleaning. Catching small problems early prevents them from becoming painful (and expensive) ones.
Wear a mouthguard if you grind your teeth at night or play contact sports.
Do not ignore sensitivity. A twinge when drinking cold water may seem minor, but it can be an early warning sign of a developing problem.

A toothache is your mouth's alarm bell. The sooner you respond, the better the outcome. If you are experiencing tooth pain, do not wait — book an appointment and let us help you get comfortable again.

What to Do When You Have a Toothache