What is a dental emergency?

Some dental problems need urgent attention, while others can be managed safely at home until you can be seen by a dentist. Understanding the difference can help you take the right action and avoid unnecessary worry.

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

When to go to A&E

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.

Problems that are not usually urgent and can wait

These issues do not usually need emergency dental treatment, but advice can still be given:

• Loose or lost crowns, bridges or veneers
• Broken, rubbing or loose dentures
• Gums that bleed occasionally
• Broken, loose or lost fillings
• Chipped teeth with no pain
• Loose orthodontic wires that are not causing injury

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 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.

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.

Final reassurance

This guidance does not cover every possible dental issue but following it can help you keep your mouth as healthy and comfortable as possible until you can be seen.

If you are unsure about anything, please contact us  — we are still available by phone and will do our best to help.