Dental pain

See a dentist if you have toothache that lasts more than 2 days. There are things you can do to ease it while you wait for an appointment.

that last more than 2 days
that doesn't go away when you take painkillers
with a high temperature, pain when you bite, red gums, or a bad taste in your mouth
and your cheek or jaw are swollen

Don't go to your GP as they won't be able to give you dental treatment.

the area around your eye or your neck is swollen
swelling in your mouth or neck is making it difficult for you to breathe, swallow or speak

call your dentist – if they're closed, their answerphone may tell you what to do

You may have to pay for your appointment. Read more about NHS dental charges.

How to ease toothache while waiting for an appointment

take painkillers, like ibuprofen or paracetamol (children under 16 shouldn't take aspirin) – a pharmacist can advise you
try rinsing your mouth with salt water (children shouldn't try this)
use a pain-relieving gel for your mouth – this can be bought from pharmacies or supermarkets
eat soft foods, like yoghurt or scrambled eggs, and try to avoid chewing with the sore tooth

How to rinse with salt water

Toothache can be caused by:

tooth decay
a dental abscess
a cracked or damaged tooth
a loose or broken filling
an infection – this often happens when a tooth (such as a wisdom tooth) has broken the skin, but doesn't have enough room to fully come through
problems with your braces

The best way to prevent toothache is to keep your teeth and gums as healthy as possible.

To do this:

have regular dental check-ups
cut down on sugary foods and drinks – only have them as an occasional treat at mealtimes
brush your teeth twice a day for about 2 minutes with a fluoride toothpaste
clean between your teeth using floss or an interdental brush every day to remove food, debris and plaque