Dental emergencies can happen at any time, often when you least expect them. Knowing what qualifies as a dental emergency—and how to respond—can make all the difference in saving a tooth, alleviating pain, or preventing further damage. Unlike general dental issues, emergencies require prompt attention to avoid long-term complications.

The guide below will help you understand what constitutes a dental emergency, how to handle common situations, and when to seek immediate care.

What Is a Dental Emergency?

A dental emergency is any situation involving your teeth, gums, or mouth that requires urgent treatment to:

• Stop severe pain
• Control bleeding
• Save a tooth
• Prevent infection from spreading

If you experience any of the following, contact your dentist or an emergency dental service immediately:

• Severe toothache that doesn’t subside with over-the-counter pain relief
• Knocked-out tooth (avulsed tooth)
• Loose or displaced tooth
• Cracked, chipped, or fractured tooth with pain or sharp edges
• Abscess or swelling in the mouth, face, or gums (sign of infection)
• Uncontrolled bleeding from the mouth
• Trauma to the mouth or jaw (e.g., from a fall or accident)
• Lost or broken dental restoration (e.g., filling, crown, or bridge) causing pain or discomfort

Common Dental Emergencies and What to Do

1. Knocked-Out Tooth - What to do:

• Handle the tooth by the crown (top part), not the root. 
• Rinse it gently with water if dirty, but do not scrub or remove any attached tissue. 
• Try to place the tooth back in its socket if possible. If not, store it in milk or a tooth preservation solution (available at pharmacies).
• See a dentist as soon as possible (same day if feasible) for the best chance of saving the tooth.

2. Severe Toothache - What to do:

• Rinse your mouth with lukewarm salty water (1/2 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of water) if you can tolerate the water.
• Use dental floss to remove any trapped food or debris.
• Take over-the-counter pain relief (e.g., ibuprofen or paracetamol if you are allowed to take these) if needed.
• Avoid aspirin directly on the tooth or gums, as it can burn the tissue.
• See a dentist as soon as possible, as a toothache can indicate decay, infection, or other serious issues.

3. Cracked or Broken Tooth and swelling - What to do:

• Rinse your mouth with lukewarm salty water (1/2 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of water) to clean the area.
• Apply a cold compress to the face to reduce any swelling.
• Some pharmacies sell temporary tooth filling materials which can help but they can also increase your pain. It is worth trying them while you see a dentist.
• Visit your dentist immediately to assess the damage and prevent further issues.

4. Abscess or Swelling - What to do:

• Rinse your mouth with lukewarm salty water (1/2 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of water).
• Take over-the-counter pain relief if needed.
• Do not apply heat to the area, as this can worsen the infection. Apply a cold compress to the face to reduce any swelling.
• Seek dental care urgently, as an abscess can spread infection to other parts of the body if left untreated. If you cannot reach your dentist, call 111 immediately. 

5. Lost Filling or Crown - What to do:

• Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth.
• Keep your mouth as clean as possible, continue brushing your teeth as well as possible.
• See your dentist as soon as possible to have it properly reattached or replaced.

What to Avoid in a Dental Emergency

• Ignoring the problem: Delaying treatment can lead to worsening pain, infection, or permanent damage.
• Using DIY fixes: Avoid home remedies like aspirin directly on the gums, as these can cause burns or other complications.
• Eating hard or sticky foods: These can further damage a cracked tooth or dislodge a temporary fix.
• Smoking or drinking alcohol: These can slow healing and increase the risk of infection.

When to Go to the Hospital

While most dental emergencies can be handled by your dentist, go to the nearest A&E (Accident & Emergency) if you experience:

• Uncontrolled bleeding that doesn’t stop with pressure
• Trauma to the jaw or face (e.g., broken jaw)
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing (could indicate a severe infection or allergic reaction)
• Signs of a spreading infection (e.g., high fever, swelling that affects your vision or breathing). Dental infections can spread and cause sepsis.

Preventing Dental Emergencies

While not all dental emergencies can be prevented, you can reduce your risk by:

• Practicing good oral hygiene: Brush twice a day, floss daily, and visit your dentist regularly.
• Wearing a mouthguard during sports or activities that could cause trauma to the mouth.
• Avoiding hard foods (e.g., ice, popcorn kernels) that can crack teeth.
• Not using your teeth as tools (e.g., opening bottles, tearing packages).