See us if you have toothache that lasts more than 2 days
Non-urgent advice: See a us if you have toothache:
- that last more than 2 days
- that doesn’t 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 are swollen
Don’t go to your GP as they won’t be able to give you dental treatment.
Immediate action required: 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
How to ease toothache while waiting for an appointment
Do
- take painkillers, like ibuprofen or paracetamol (children under 16 shouldn’t take aspirin) – a pharmacist can advise you
- try rinsing your mouth with salt water (children shouldn’t 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
How to rinse with salt water
- Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water – warm water helps salt dissolve
- Rinse your mouth with the solution, then spit it out – don’t swallow it
- Repeat as often as you like
Causes of toothache
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 doesn’t have enough room to fully come through
- problems with your braces
How to prevent toothache
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
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Can I go to A&E with tooth ache?