Tooth Decay, Tooth Aches and Cavities
What causes toothache & tooth nerve pain – plus useful temporary remedies, pain-relief & eliminating your pain!

Toothache is often a little bit like an iceberg; what you see at the top is only part of the picture, because it’s usually a sign that something harmful is going on nearby in your tooth or gums.
Sometimes, you may find that your toothache resolves on its own without seeing a dentist, but often, the problem will present again, giving you a not-so-gentle reminder that it’s time to see the dentist.
Smile assessment and resin bonding mockup
To ensure you’ll be happy with the result, first, we’ll get you in for a 40-minute smile assessment. Here, we’ll discuss any concerns you have with your teeth and how you’d like them improved.
Using resin bonding, we’ll mock up a temporary smile, which will last around 2 to 3 hours – just enough time for you to take a good look at the mirror, show your family and friends and be 100% certain that you’re happy with the look we’ve produced.
The procedure
The composite bonding procedure is completed in one session. We’ll use several colours to achieve a more natural-looking result. And, all composite veneers have a two-year guarantee.
What causes toothache?
There are several reasons for toothache. Here are some of the more common reasons…
Cracked/fractured tooth
Bruxism
Tooth impaction
Food or debris stuck in teeth
Sinus infection
Tooth decay
Gum disease
Abscesses
Trauma
Losing a filling or crown
How to treat a toothache
If you are suffering from toothache, please call our dental clinic and discuss your condition with one of our dentists. They will then decide how soon you should visit our clinic. A severe toothache is often classified as a dental emergency and, therefore, should be treated as soon as possible.
While you wait to see the dentist, you can try the following remedies at home…
Keep your head elevated
If it’s nighttime, pop your head up with pillows or cushions or elevate the head of the bed to help avoid the blood rushing to your head, which can exacerbate the pain and keep you awake.
Apply a cold compress
Applying an ice pack or cold compress against your cheek – not directly to the tooth (which can exacerbate pain) can help numb the pain.
Gargle saltwater
Create a saltwater solution of half a teaspoon of salt to a glass of warm water, then gargle around the painful area for at least five seconds.
Take over-the-counter painkillers
Providing your pain is mild, simple pain relief medication such as aspirin can help to eliminate tooth pain quickly. Only swallow the aspirin and don’t apply to the gums as acid can burn the gum tissue.
Avoid hot, cold or hard-to-chew foods
Toothache can make you extremely temperature-sensitive, so avoid extremely hot or cold drinks – or foods – and stay away from hard-to-chew foods as all of these will may exacerbate a toothache.

Toothache FAQs
Will toothache go away on its own?
What does a toothache feel like?
What can I do to make my toothache go away?
Does whiskey help a toothache?
What causes a sudden toothache?
Does brushing teeth help with a toothache?
When should I go to the dentist for a toothache?
Will peroxide kill a tooth nerve?
If you’re in Albury and Wodonga & think you may have tooth decay or cavities, come in and see us ASAP.
How to avoid tooth decay
For the majority of individuals, avoiding tooth decay comes down to practising good oral hygiene, which involves:
- avoiding sweet or sugary foods, or only having them occasionally – and always brushing your teeth or rinsing your mouth with water afterwards
- brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, and flossing at least once a day
- having regular dental checkups, along with scale and cleans every 6 to 12 months (subject to your dentist’s advice)
The importance of a professional scale and clean
Although we can minimise the chances of tooth decay and cavities by avoiding sugary foods, brushing and flossing often, we still need professional scale and cleans to remove plaque and calculus.
Regular brushing and flossing help to eliminate plaque, but you cannot remove all of it without a professional clean. When plaque is left on the teeth, it hardens and becomes calculus, which cannot be removed by brushing or flossing and must be professionally removed.
Book An Appointment
Our Preferred Providers



Dr Stephen Jiang
Dr. Stephen Jiang is a highly skilled and experienced dentist with over 20 years of private practice experience. He obtained his dental degree from the University of Adelaide, where he excelled in his studies and received comprehensive training in various dental procedures. He also holds a PhD in medical and dental research.
Prior to establishing SJ Dental, Dr. Jiang worked in the public sector where he provided dental care to the general population. He has a passion for oral health and prevention, and he is committed to educating his patients on how to maintain optimal oral health.
Dr. Jiang has a broad range of expertise in all general dentistry, and he has a keen interest in oral surgery and complex dentistry. He is also experienced in both orthodontics and implant dentistry, and he is dedicated to staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in dental technology and techniques.
Outside of work, Dr. Jiang enjoys playing golf and spending time with his family and grandkids. He believes in maintaining a healthy work-life balance, and he brings that philosophy to his practice by creating a warm and welcoming environment for his patients.
Patients describe Dr. Jiang as a compassionate and skilled dentist who puts their comfort and well-being first. With so many years of clinical experience behind him, he is sure to provide the best care for the entire family. Whether you need routine dental care or more complex treatments, you can trust Dr. Jiang to provide the highest quality dental care while keeping your overall well-being in mind.

Dr John Xu
Patients have always appreciated Dr. Xu's gentle and polite personality, and many have found him to provide excellent service for all aspects of dentistry. Dr. Xu has a keen interest in preventative care, root canal treatment, and Invisalign treatment, and he is dedicated to staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in dental technology and techniques.
Outside of work, Dr. Xu enjoys cooking, and he has worked as a Japanese chef in the past during his university years. He continues to pursue his passion for cooking in his free time. He also enjoys spending time with his young children and family.
Patients describe Dr. Xu as a caring and skilled dentist who puts their comfort and well-being first. With his gentle approach and dedication to excellence, he is sure to provide the best possible care for all of his patients. Whether you need routine dental care or more complex treatments, you can trust Dr. Xu to provide the highest quality dental care while keeping your overall well-being in mind.

Dr Louise Chew
Dr. Chew has a keen interest in preventative dental care, cosmetic procedures, and Invisalign treatment. Patients appreciate her gentle touch and compassionate approach to dentistry, and she is dedicated to providing the highest quality dental care to all of her patients.
Outside of work, Dr. Chew enjoys spending time with her family, and she loves to travel with them. Her passion for exploring new places and cultures has taken her to many different parts of the world, and she brings that same sense of adventure and curiosity to her work as a dentist.
Whether you need routine dental care or more complex treatments, Dr. Chew is committed to providing the best possible care for all of her patients. With her gentle touch, compassionate approach, and dedication to excellence, you can trust Dr. Chew to help you achieve the healthy, beautiful smile you deserve.