Urgent Treatment Advice
The advice on this page is taken from the NHS website - for more up to date advice please follow this link NHS toothache.
​​You will need to see a dentist if you have toothache which lasts more than 2 days. Especially if you have the following:
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that lasts more than 2 days
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that does not go away when you take painkillers
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with a high temperature, pain when you bite, red gums, or a bad taste in your mouth
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and your cheek or jaw is swollen
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You will need to go to A&E if you have toothache and:
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the area around your eye or your neck is swollen
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swelling in your mouth or neck is making it difficult for you to breathe, swallow or speak
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If you have any queries on your symptoms Call NHS 111 or visit 111 Online.
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How to ease toothache while waiting for an appointment
DO:
Take painkillers advised by your pharmacist or GP such as ibuprofen or paracetamol (children under 16 should not take aspirin).
Use a pain-relieving gel for your mouth – this can be bought from pharmacies or supermarkets
Try rinsing your mouth with salt water (children should not try this)
Eat soft foods, like yoghurt or scrambled eggs, and try to avoid chewing with the sore tooth
Use a soft toothbrush and avoid flossing around the sore tooth
DO NOT:
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do not eat foods that are sweet, very hot or very cold
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do not smoke – it can make some dental problems worse
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If you have any queries on your symptoms Call NHS 111 or visit 111 Online.
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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
Children should not try rinsing their mouth with salt water in case they swallow it.
Causes of Toothache
Toothache can be caused by:
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tooth decay
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a dental abscess
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a cracked or damaged tooth
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a loose or broken filling
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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
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problems with your braces
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gum disease
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grinding your teeth
Tooth pain can also be caused by having sensitive teeth.
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Follow the links for each of the causes for additional advice.
