A GP can't provide dental treatment, so a dentist is always the right first port of call
Certain signs, like swelling or a high temperature, mean you should be seen sooner
Some symptoms need urgent A&E attention rather than a routine dental appointment
You may need to pay for an emergency dental appointment
Toothache That Needs Attention
See a dentist if you have toothache that lasts more than 2 days, doesn't ease with painkillers, or comes with a high temperature, pain when biting, red gums, or a bad taste in your mouth. Swelling in the cheek or jaw is also a sign you should be seen promptly. A GP surgery isn't able to provide dental treatment, so a dentist is always the right place to go for tooth-related problems.
?? Go to A&E if you have toothache and:
The area around your eye or neck is swollen, or swelling in your mouth or neck is making it hard to breathe, swallow, or speak. Do not drive yourself — ask someone to take you, or call 999 for an ambulance, and bring any medicines you take with you.
Getting a Dental Appointment
If you need emergency or out-of-hours dental care, call your usual dentist first — if they're closed, their answerphone message may explain what to do. If you don't have a dentist, or can't get an emergency appointment, call 111 or use 111 online for advice, or search for a dentist near you and ask about emergency appointments. Be aware that you may need to pay for emergency dental treatment, depending on your circumstances.
Page last reviewed: 6 March 2024 · Next review due: 6 March 2027
Toothache · Pain Relief
Easing Toothache While You Wait
? 4 min readReviewed: March 2024
What Can Help
While waiting for a dental appointment, taking a painkiller such as ibuprofen or paracetamol can help ease the discomfort — a pharmacist can advise on the right option for you, and children under 16 shouldn't be given aspirin. A pain-relieving gel for the mouth, available from pharmacies and supermarkets, can also help.
Rinsing with warm salt water can ease symptoms too, though this isn't suitable for children in case they swallow it: dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water, swish it around your mouth, then spit it out — this can be repeated as often as you like.
Sticking to soft foods like yoghurt or scrambled eggs, and avoiding chewing on the sore side, can help too, along with using a soft toothbrush and avoiding flossing near the painful tooth. It's best to avoid sweet, very hot, or very cold foods and drinks, and if you smoke, cutting down can help too, since smoking can make some dental problems worse.
Page last reviewed: 6 March 2024 · Next review due: 6 March 2027
Toothache · Causes & Prevention
What Causes Toothache, and How to Prevent It
? 4 min readReviewed: March 2024
Common Causes
Toothache can be caused by a number of things, including tooth decay, a dental abscess, a cracked or damaged tooth, a loose or broken filling, gum disease, or grinding your teeth. It can also happen when a tooth — such as a wisdom tooth — is coming through without enough room, or from problems with braces. Sensitive teeth are another common cause of tooth pain.
Keeping Toothache Away
The best way to prevent toothache is to keep your teeth and gums as healthy as possible. This means having regular dental check-ups, cutting down on sugary food and drinks (keeping them as an occasional treat at mealtimes), brushing your teeth twice a day for about two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste, and cleaning between your teeth daily with floss or an interdental brush to remove food, debris and plaque.
Page last reviewed: 6 March 2024 · Next review due: 6 March 2027
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