The information below is general guidance and does not replace an examination. In an emergency, call us. If you have difficulty breathing or swallowing, rapidly spreading facial swelling, fever or bleeding that will not stop, go to the nearest emergency department without delay.
Severe toothache
- Rinse your mouth with warm water and gently remove any food stuck between the teeth with floss.
- You can apply a cold compress to the outside of the cheek; do not put cold directly on the tooth.
- If you take pain relief, follow the leaflet and your doctor's advice.
- Get examined even if the pain eases; the problem may persist.
Swelling of the face or gums
Swelling can be a sign of infection. If it comes with fever or grows quickly, urgent assessment is needed. Do not apply heat to the swelling.
Broken or cracked tooth
- Rinse your mouth with warm water.
- If a fragment came off, keep it in milk or saline and bring it with you.
- If sharp edges cut your tongue or cheek, you may temporarily use sterile gauze.
Tooth knocked out completely
- Hold the tooth by the crown (chewing surface), not the root.
- If dirty, rinse very briefly under running water; do not scrub.
- If possible, gently place it back in its socket; if not, keep it in milk.
- See a dentist as soon as possible, ideally within the first hour.
Bleeding in the mouth
Press with clean gauze for 10–15 minutes. If it does not stop, go to the emergency department.
A blow to a tooth
Even without pain, a tooth may discolour or develop problems later after a blow; an examination is recommended.