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Dental emergencies: what to do first
Most tooth problems can wait for a normal dentist visit. Some cannot. This page helps you tell the difference and know what to do first.
This is general information, not a diagnosis. It does not replace a check by a dentist or doctor. If you are worried, contact a dental professional.
⚠ Get emergency help now if you have
- Swelling near your eye, or in your neck.
- Swelling that makes it hard to breathe, swallow or speak.
- You cannot open your mouth, or there is a lot of swelling inside it.
Call your local emergency number or go to an emergency department now. Do not drive yourself.
Get urgent help if
- You think you have a dental abscess (pus, swelling, strong pain).
- Tooth pain or swelling with a high temperature (fever).
- An adult tooth was knocked out, even if you cannot find it.
Ask for an urgent dentist appointment the same day.
Knocked-out adult tooth
- Hold the tooth by the white top part (the crown). Do not touch the root.
- If it is dirty, rinse it gently in milk, saline or spit. Do not scrub it.
- Try to push it back into the gap. Bite softly on a clean cloth to hold it.
- If it will not go back, keep it wet in milk or spit.
- Go to a dentist straight away.
Never put a baby tooth back in. It can harm the adult tooth growing underneath.
Chipped or broken tooth
- Rinse your mouth with warm water.
- Put a cold pack on your face to keep swelling down.
- Keep any broken piece in milk or spit and bring it. A dentist may be able to stick it back on.
Bitten lip or tongue
- Clean the area gently with water.
- Hold a cold pack on it.
Something stuck between teeth
- Try to remove it gently with floss.
- Do not use sharp or pointed things.
How to lower the risk
- Wear a mouthguard for contact sports.
- Do not chew ice, popcorn kernels or hard sweets.
- Use scissors, not your teeth, to open or cut things.
When to see a dentist
- You chipped, cracked or broke a tooth.
- You have toothache that lasts more than 2 days.
- A filling or crown came out.
Related: Toothache · Common questions
Sources
Paraphrased in plain words. Links checked and accessed 21 Oct 2026.
- NHS (UK). “Knocked-out tooth”. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/knocked-out-tooth/ (accessed 21 Oct 2026).
- NHS (UK). “Chipped, broken or cracked tooth”. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/chipped-broken-or-cracked-tooth/ (accessed 21 Oct 2026).
- ADA MouthHealthy. “Dental emergencies”. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/dental-emergencies (accessed 21 Oct 2026).
- NHS (UK). “Toothache”. https://www.nhs.uk/symptoms/toothache/ (accessed 21 Oct 2026).
- NHS (UK). “Dental abscess”. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dental-abscess/ (accessed 21 Oct 2026).