In short
- Severe pain, swelling, fever and injuries need prompt assessment.
- If swelling spreads to the eye or neck, or breathing is difficult, go to hospital.
- Never place aspirin on the gum; use painkillers as directed.
- Pain stopping doesn’t always mean the problem is solved.
Common causes of toothache
- Advanced decay and inflammation of the nerve
- An abscess (collection of infection)
- A cracked or broken tooth
- Gum disease
- Impacted or erupting wisdom teeth
- A lost filling or crown
Which symptoms are urgent?
- Severe pain that wakes you or doesn’t settle with painkillers
- Swelling of the face, gums or jaw
- Toothache with fever
- A tooth broken, loosened or knocked out by an injury
- Bleeding that won’t stop after an extraction
Until you see a dentist
- Take a painkiller as directed on the label
- Apply a cold compress to the outside of the cheek for swelling
- Rinse gently with warm water
- Avoid very hot, very cold and hard foods
- Keep a knocked-out tooth in milk and contact a dentist immediately
What to avoid
- Placing aspirin or other medicine on the gum
- Applying heat to swelling
- Putting off an examination because the pain has eased
- Gluing a lost crown back yourself
When to go to hospital
If swelling spreads towards the eye or neck, or you have a high fever or difficulty swallowing or breathing, go to the nearest hospital emergency department straight away or call 112.