Dental problems can be worrying, especially when they happen suddenly. But not every issue needs urgent treatment. Knowing what an emergency is and what can be safely managed at home can help you feel more in control and get the right help when you need it. This guide walks you through the signs to look out for, simple steps you can take yourself, and when it’s important to get in touch or go straight to A&E, so you can stay calm if a problem arises.
Symptoms that require urgent dental advice
Please contact us if you experience:
- Facial swelling that is spreading towards the eye or neck
- Bleeding after a tooth extraction that does not stop after 20 minutes of firm pressure using gauze or a clean cloth (a small amount of oozing is normal)
- Bleeding following dental or facial trauma that does not stop
- Severe toothache that prevents you from sleeping or eating
- Toothache with swelling or fever that cannot be managed with pain relief
Please attend Accident & Emergency (A&E) if you experience:
- Facial swelling that affects your breathing, vision, or ability to open your mouth (less than two fingers wide)
- Facial or mouth trauma causing loss of consciousness, double vision, or vomiting
These symptoms may indicate a serious medical emergency and need immediate hospital care.
Symptoms that require urgent dental advice
Please contact us if you experience:
- Facial swelling that is spreading towards the eye or neck
- Bleeding after a tooth extraction that does not stop after 20 minutes of firm pressure using gauze or a clean cloth (a small amount of oozing is normal)
- Bleeding following dental or facial trauma that does not stop
- Severe toothache that prevents you from sleeping or eating
- Toothache with swelling or fever that cannot be managed with pain relief
Please attend Accident & Emergency (A&E) if you experience:
- Facial swelling that affects your breathing, vision, or ability to open your mouth (less than two fingers wide)
- Facial or mouth trauma causing loss of consciousness, double vision, or vomiting
These symptoms may indicate a serious medical emergency and need immediate hospital care.
How to manage toothache at home
If a tooth has a hole or crack and feels sensitive or sharp, a temporary filling material (available from pharmacies or supermarkets) can sometimes be used as a short-term measure. These are not a long-term solution, and you should speak to your dentist before using one.
You can also help by:
- Brushing gently but thoroughly with fluoride toothpaste
- Reducing sugary foods and drinks
- Using a desensitising toothpaste (such as Sensodyne Repair & Protect)
- Apply directly to the affected area and do not rinse afterwards
- Using oral anaesthetic gels (for example, Orajel) for temporary pain relief
How to manage toothache at home
If a tooth has a hole or crack and feels sensitive or sharp, a temporary filling material (available from pharmacies or supermarkets) can sometimes be used as a short-term measure. These are not a long-term solution, and you should speak to your dentist before using one.
You can also help by:
- Brushing gently but thoroughly with fluoride toothpaste
- Reducing sugary foods and drinks
- Using a desensitising toothpaste (such as Sensodyne Repair & Protect)
- Apply directly to the affected area and do not rinse afterwards
- Using oral anaesthetic gels (for example, Orajel) for temporary pain relief
How to manage painful wisdom teeth
Wisdom tooth pain is often caused by inflammation of the gum around the tooth and may be worsened by biting. Most flare-ups improve within a few days to a week with good home care.
You should contact your dentist if you develop:
- Difficulty swallowing
- Facial swelling
- Difficulty opening your mouth
You may need antibiotics only if there is an infection that is spreading.
Helpful home care includes:
- Keeping the area as clean as possible, even if it is uncomfortable
- Eating a soft diet to avoid further irritation
- Taking pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen (follow packet instructions)
- Avoiding Corsodyl mouthwash for more than a few days, as longer use can cause staining
How to manage painful wisdom teeth
Wisdom tooth pain is often caused by inflammation of the gum around the tooth and may be worsened by biting. Most flare-ups improve within a few days to a week with good home care.
You should contact your dentist if you develop:
- Difficulty swallowing
- Facial swelling
- Difficulty opening your mouth
You may need antibiotics only if there is an infection that is spreading.
Helpful home care includes:
- Keeping the area as clean as possible, even if it is uncomfortable
- Eating a soft diet to avoid further irritation
- Taking pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen (follow packet instructions)
- Avoiding Corsodyl mouthwash for more than a few days, as longer use can cause staining
How to manage mouth ulcers
Most mouth ulcers heal within seven to 10 days.
Any ulcer does not heal within three weeks should be checked by a dentist or doctor.
To help healing:
- Keep your mouth clean using a soft or baby toothbrush
- Use Difflam (benzydamine) spray or mouthwash for pain relief
- If dentures are rubbing, consider denture adhesive to stabilise them
- Remove dentures where possible if they are causing trauma
- Avoid using Corsodyl mouthwash for extended periods
How to manage mouth ulcers
Most mouth ulcers heal within seven to 10 days.
Any ulcer does not heal within three weeks should be checked by a dentist or doctor.
To help healing:
- Keep your mouth clean using a soft or baby toothbrush
- Use Difflam (benzydamine) spray or mouthwash for pain relief
- If dentures are rubbing, consider denture adhesive to stabilise them
- Remove dentures where possible if they are causing trauma
- Avoid using Corsodyl mouthwash for extended periods
Pain or healing after a tooth extraction
Some pain after an extraction is normal and can last up to seven days, often peaking around day three or four. Regular pain relief can help.
- Antibiotics are not appropriate unless there are signs of infection
- Some pink saliva or light oozing is normal
- If bleeding is heavy, bite firmly on gauze or a clean cloth for 20 minutes
Avoid smoking or rinsing too soon after extraction, as this can lead to dry socket, which is very painful and requires dental treatment. Antibiotics will not help dry socket — a dressing is needed.
Pain or healing after a tooth extraction
Some pain after an extraction is normal and can last up to seven days, often peaking around day three or four. Regular pain relief can help.
- Antibiotics are not appropriate unless there are signs of infection
- Some pink saliva or light oozing is normal
- If bleeding is heavy, bite firmly on gauze or a clean cloth for 20 minutes
Avoid smoking or rinsing too soon after extraction, as this can lead to dry socket, which is very painful and requires dental treatment. Antibiotics will not help dry socket — a dressing is needed.
Common problems
Bleeding gums
Bleeding gums are not a dental emergency and are usually linked to gum disease. Bleeding will often improve with better brushing.
- Brush twice daily for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste
- Focus on areas that bleed
- Clean between your teeth daily using floss or interdental brushes
Managing a lost crown
If a crown comes out, your dentist can give you the most appropriate advice based on your situation. Temporary repair kits are available, but can be difficult to use. In many cases, it is safe to leave the crown off until the next available appointment.
Common problems
Bleeding gums
Bleeding gums are not a dental emergency and are usually linked to gum disease. Bleeding will often improve with better brushing.
- Brush twice daily for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste
- Focus on areas that bleed
- Clean between your teeth daily using floss or interdental brushes
Managing a lost crown
If a crown comes out, your dentist can give you the most appropriate advice based on your situation. Temporary repair kits are available, but can be difficult to use. In many cases, it is safe to leave the crown off until the next available appointment.
