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Warning-sign checks

Toothaches: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services or go to an emergency department if swelling makes it difficult to breathe or swallow, spreads toward the eye or neck, or causes drooling or a change in voice.

    Seek emergency help for jaw pain accompanied by chest pressure, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, or pain spreading into an arm or shoulder.

    Seek urgent dental care immediately, handle it by the crown rather than the root, and do not scrub it.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek same-day dental or medical care if tooth pain occurs with:

    • Swelling of the cheek, jaw, or face
    • Fever or feeling generally unwell
    • Increasing gum swelling or pus
    • Trouble opening your mouth
    • Rapidly worsening pain
  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a dental appointment if pain lasts longer than a day or two, keeps returning, or interferes with sleep or eating.

    You should also book an appointment for pain when biting, a cracked tooth, swollen gums, drainage, or a lost filling or crown.

The article also says

Jaw or tooth-like pain can rarely occur with a heart problem.

A knocked-out permanent tooth is also time-sensitive.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Toothaches. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.