When should you go to the er for tooth pain

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.

Non-urgent advice: 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.

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

Information:

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.

How to ease toothache while waiting for an appointment

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

How to rinse with salt water

  1. Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water – warm water helps salt dissolve.
  2. Rinse your mouth with the solution, then spit it out – do not swallow it.
  3. 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 does not 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

Page last reviewed: 04 May 2021
Next review due: 04 May 2024

Tooth pain of any kind can be unbearable. It can make eating, drinking, and sleeping miserable, disrupting your daily routine.

You may think the best course of action is to wait it out and make an appointment with your dentist. However, sometimes toothaches indicate a severe health issue and require immediate medical attention.

When You Need to Go to the Emergency Room for a Dental Injury

Sometimes a toothache is a symptom of a life-threatening condition. Other times, it may be the first sign of an infection that can affect other parts of your body and quickly. It’s better to be safe than sorry and head to the nearest emergency room in these situations.

If a fever of 101 or greater accompanies your tooth pain, you could have an abscessed tooth. This infection can lead to severe consequences and needs to be treated with antibiotics.

Sometimes tooth pain can signify a heart attack or other cardiac condition, especially if the pain radiates from your teeth to your neck and jaw.

Should you experience uncontrollable bleeding and swelling due to trauma to your face, don’t delay emergency care. Or, if you have a toothache accompanied by trouble swallowing or breathing, you need to be evaluated as soon as possible.

Home Remedies for Toothaches

If you are in excruciating pain, you can take some specific measures to minimize it until you are seen by a medical professional.

Taking a pain reliever like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help ease a toothache. You might also find holding a warm compress against your face soothing. If your mouth is bleeding, apply some pressure using gauze or a warm cloth. Swishing with warm salt water or using an analgesic gel may also help. While these steps won’t make the pain disappear, they might make it more bearable until you get to the emergency room.

Preventing Injury to Your Teeth

While you cannot avoid all dental injuries, there are specific steps you can take to prevent tooth pain, including:

  • Brushing and flossing at least twice a day
  • Seeing your dentist regularly
  • Protecting your teeth by using a mouthguard if you engage in sports activities
  • Not chewing on ice, hard candy, or popcorn kernels that can crack your teeth
  • Drink lots of water
  • Avoid eating lots of sugary foods.

Don’t take any chances when it comes to a dental injury or pain. It could be the first sign that there is a more serious health issue is brewing.

After any trip to the emergency room for a toothache or other dental injury, it’s a good idea to follow up with your dentist afterward to receive a thorough exam.

Community First ER is here for you

If you need emergency care for a dental issue, Community First Emergency Room will be here for you. No appointment is necessary, and walk-ins are accepted. Our team has access to sophisticated imaging equipment, including X-rays, CT scans, and ultrasound, with fast same-day results so we can quickly evaluate the extent of your dental emergency. You will experience little to no wait times to receive our personalized, compassionate, and concierge-level services. Our board-certified physicians and registered nurses will treat you or your loved one like family, making your health and peace of mind a top priority. We are here for you 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

About Community First ER

Emergency health care is a critical resource. Our commitment is to provide a personal, transparent, and concierge-driven emergency health care experience to our community members. Locally owned and operated by health care providers and partners we trust; we strive to support and create meaningful relationships with those around us. We exist to put your health and wellness first. For more information, visit our website at https://communityfirster.com/ and engage with us on social media.

Can ER do anything about tooth pain?

The ER staff can get patients stabilized, control bleeding, and give treatment for dental fractures. In the case of bacterial infections, they can provide antibiotics and will arrange for transfer to the hospital if necessary. They can also treat broken, dislodged, or fractured teeth and help to control severe pain.

Is severe tooth pain an emergency?

If you have a toothache that lasts more than 1-2 days and is causing you a lot of pain or discomfort, you're having a dental emergency. This usually indicates an advanced cavity or an infected tooth. Without proper care, your condition will only get worse.

When should you go to the ER for a tooth infection?

You SHOULD go to the emergency room if: You have swelling from a toothache that has spread to other parts of your face, especially your eye or below your jaw line. You have a toothache accompanied by a high fever (>101). You have bleeding that can't be controlled with pressure (more on this below).

Is tooth nerve pain an emergency?

The first line of action when experiencing pain from an exposed tooth nerve is to visit the emergency dentist, since the pain will likely not disappear on its own.