Dental emergency? Here’s what to do and who to call
Dentist Disaster

Pain & emergencies

Toothache

See a dentist soon6 treatment options

Toothache has many causes, from decay to a cracked tooth. How to ease the pain now, when to see a dentist and when it's an emergency.

How urgent is it? See a dentist soon

See a dentist if toothache lasts more than 2 days, is not eased by painkillers, or comes with a high temperature, pain on biting, red gums, a bad taste or a swollen face. Go to A&E if the area around your eye or neck is swollen, or swelling makes it hard to breathe, swallow or speak - do not drive yourself.

When to call 999, NHS 111 or your dentist

What it is

Toothache is pain in or around a tooth or the jaw. It can be sharp or dull, constant or on and off, and is often worse with hot, cold or sweet food, or at night. Pain from a lower back tooth can even feel as if it is coming from the ear, and pain in upper teeth can feel like sinus pain.

The most common cause is tooth decay, but cracked teeth, loose or broken fillings, receding gums, gum disease, grinding, braces and infections around a partly erupted wisdom tooth can all be responsible. Painkillers can take the edge off while you wait, but they do not treat the cause.

The NHS advises seeing a dentist if toothache lasts more than two days or painkillers do not help. Some warning signs, such as swelling around the eye or neck, or difficulty breathing, swallowing or speaking, need emergency care in A&E.

Signs and causes

Common signs

  • Sharp pain with hot, cold or sweet food and drink
  • Pain when biting down
  • A dull, throbbing ache that keeps you awake
  • Swelling of the gum, face or jaw
  • A bad taste in the mouth or a high temperature

Usual causes

  • Tooth decay
  • A dental abscess
  • A cracked or damaged tooth
  • A loose or broken filling
  • Receding gums exposing the root
  • Gum disease
  • An infection around a wisdom tooth that is only partly through
  • Grinding the teeth or problems with braces

Ways to fix it

The options a dentist may discuss with you, and when each one tends to be used. Which one suits you depends on an examination.

  1. Daily oral hygiene

    Mild sensitivity-type pain may settle with a desensitising toothpaste, but see a dentist if it has not improved after about two weeks.

    Available on the NHSHome care

  2. Fillings

    Pain caused by decay or a lost or broken filling.

    Available on the NHSRestorative

  3. Root canal treatment

    When the pulp inside the tooth is infected or dying.

    Available on the NHSRestorative

  4. Gum disease treatment

    When gum disease is the source of the pain.

    Available on the NHSPreventive

  5. Wisdom tooth removal

    Repeated pain or infection from a wisdom tooth.

    Available on the NHSSurgical

  6. Tooth extraction

    When the tooth cannot be saved.

    Available on the NHSSurgical

What you can do now

  • Take paracetamol or ibuprofen, following the pack instructions - children under 16 should not take aspirin
  • Use a pain-relieving mouth gel from a pharmacy or supermarket
  • Adults can rinse with warm salt water (half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water) and spit it out; children should not do this in case they swallow it
  • Eat soft foods and avoid chewing on the sore side
  • Avoid very sweet, hot or cold food and drink, and do not smoke

Preventing it

  • Brush twice a day for about 2 minutes with fluoride toothpaste
  • Clean between your teeth daily with floss or interdental brushes
  • Keep sugary foods and drinks to mealtimes
  • Have regular check-ups

Common questions

How long should I wait before seeing a dentist?

The NHS advises seeing a dentist if toothache lasts more than 2 days, or sooner if painkillers are not helping or you have swelling, a temperature, pain when biting or a bad taste.

What if I can't get an emergency appointment?

Call your usual dentist first - the answerphone may explain what to do when closed. If you do not have a dentist or cannot get an appointment, call NHS 111 or use 111 online.

Should I see my GP about tooth pain?

No. The NHS advises that GPs cannot provide dental treatment. Contact a dentist, or NHS 111 if you cannot get a dental appointment.

How much is an urgent NHS dental appointment?

In England an urgent NHS course of treatment is charged at the Band 1 rate - £27.90 from 1 April 2026 - unless you qualify for free treatment. Further non-urgent treatment afterwards may cost more.

Products that may help at home

These support good daily care; they don’t replace treatment from a dentist. Some links may be affiliate links.

Sources we used

Checked September 2026. Guidance changes, so always follow the advice of your own dental team. About our sources.