See a dentist if you have toothache that lasts more than 2 days. There are things you can do to ease it while you wait for an appointment.
See a dentist if you have toothache:
- that lasts more than 2 days
- that does not go away when you take painkillers
- with a high temperature, pain when you bite, red gums, or a bad taste in your mouth
- and your cheek or jaw is swollen
Do not go to your GP as they will not be able to give you dental treatment.
Go to A&E if you have toothache and:
- the area around your eye or your neck is swollen
- swelling in your mouth or neck is making it difficult for you to breathe, swallow or speak
To see a dentist in an emergency or out of hours:
- call your dentist – if they're closed, their answerphone may tell you what to do
If you do not have a dentist or cannot get an emergency appointment:
- call 111 – they can advise you what to do
- find a dentist near you – ask if you can have an emergency appointment
You may have to pay for your appointment.
Read more about NHS dental charges.
Do
-
take painkillers, like ibuprofen or paracetamol (children under 16 should not take aspirin) – a pharmacist can advise you
-
try rinsing your mouth with salt water (children should not try this)
-
use a pain-relieving gel for your mouth – this can be bought from pharmacies or supermarkets
-
eat soft foods, like yoghurt or scrambled eggs, and try to avoid chewing with the sore tooth
Don’t
-
do not eat foods that are sweet, very hot or very cold
-
do not smoke – it can make some dental problems worse
Toothache can be caused by:
- tooth decay
- a dental abscess
- a cracked or damaged tooth
- a loose or broken filling
- an infection – this often happens when a tooth (such as a wisdom tooth) has broken the skin, but does not have enough room to fully come through
- problems with your braces
The best way to prevent toothache is to keep your teeth and gums as healthy as possible.
To do this:
- have regular dental check-ups
- cut down on sugary foods and drinks – only have them as an occasional treat at mealtimes
- brush your teeth twice a day for about 2 minutes with a fluoride toothpaste
- clean between your teeth using floss or an interdental brush every day to remove food, debris and plaque