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Toothache – and when it is urgent
Toothache has many causes. Most need a dentist, not a doctor. Here is what you can do while you wait, and when to get help fast.
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.
Common causes
- Tooth decay (a hole in the tooth).
- A dental abscess (an infection with pus).
- A cracked tooth, or a loose or broken filling.
- Gum disease.
- A wisdom tooth that cannot come through fully.
- Grinding your teeth.
- Sensitive teeth.
While you wait for the dentist
- Take a painkiller like paracetamol or ibuprofen, as the pack says. Ask a pharmacist if unsure. Children under 16 should not take aspirin.
- Adults can rinse with warm salty water (half a teaspoon of salt in a glass). Spit it out. Children should not do this.
- Eat soft food. Chew on the other side.
- Avoid very sweet, hot or cold food and drinks.
- Do not put aspirin on the tooth or gum.
When to see a dentist
- The pain lasts more than 2 days.
- Painkillers do not help.
- It hurts to bite, your gum is red, or you have a bad taste.
- Your cheek or jaw is swollen.
Related: Dental emergencies · Sensitive teeth
Sources
Paraphrased in plain words. Links checked and 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).
- ADA MouthHealthy. “Dental emergencies”. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/dental-emergencies (accessed 21 Oct 2026).