If you have toothache, take ibuprofen or paracetamol, avoid chewing on the sore tooth and book a dentist appointment. The NHS says to see a dentist if the pain lasts more than 2 days, doesn't go away with painkillers, or comes with a high temperature, pain when you bite, red gums, a bad taste or a swollen cheek or jaw. Don't go to your GP, as they can't give you dental treatment.
Get urgent help if...
- The area around your eye or your neck is swollen. Go to A&E or call 999.
- Swelling in your mouth or neck is making it hard to breathe, swallow or speak. Go to A&E or call 999, and don't drive yourself.
- You have severe tooth or mouth pain that is affecting your sleep or daily activities and isn't helped by paracetamol or ibuprofen. Ask a dentist for an urgent appointment or call NHS 111.
- Your pain is helped by painkillers but isn't going away. Ask a dentist for an urgent appointment or call NHS 111.
Common causes of toothache
The NHS lists tooth decay, a dental abscess, a cracked or damaged tooth, a loose or broken filling, an infection, problems with braces, gum disease, teeth grinding and sensitive teeth as common causes of tooth pain. A dentist will need to examine you to find out which one applies to you.
Decay may not cause any symptoms at first. When it does, it can cause toothache, a sharp pain when you eat or drink hot, cold or sweet things, and white, brown or black spots on a tooth.
What you can do now
The NHS suggests these steps to ease toothache until you can see a dentist.
Do
- Take ibuprofen or paracetamol. A pharmacist can advise you on which to take, and you shouldn't take more than the recommended dose.
- Use a pain-relief gel for your mouth, which you can buy from a pharmacy.
- Rinse your mouth with salt water. This is for adults only, not children.
- Eat soft foods and try not to chew with the sore tooth.
- Use a soft toothbrush and avoid flossing around the painful area.
Avoid
- Food and drink that is sugary, very hot or very cold.
- Smoking, as it can make some dental problems worse.
A pharmacist can also give advice on pain relief for toothache while you arrange a dental appointment.
How to get seen quickly
Call your dentist first. If they're closed, their answerphone may tell you what to do.
If you don't have a dentist, or can't get an urgent appointment, call NHS 111 or use 111 online. You can also look for practices offering urgent appointments on our emergency dentist pages.
The NHS says you should be offered urgent dental treatment within 24 hours or 7 days, depending on your symptoms.
What a dentist may do
Treatment depends on the cause. Based on NHS guidance for the conditions that cause toothache, a dentist may:
- Prescribe a fluoride treatment, such as a mouthwash or varnish, for early decay.
- Place a filling if there is a hole (cavity) in the tooth.
- Offer root canal treatment or take the tooth out if decay has reached deeper into the tooth.
- Drain an abscess and treat the cause.
- Repair a cracked or broken tooth with a filling or a crown.
Regular dental check-ups help a dentist spot problems like decay before they start to hurt.
NHS or private
Urgent dental treatment is available on the NHS. Most adults pay a set NHS charge for it unless they qualify for free treatment, and any follow-up treatment is charged at the relevant NHS band. Our NHS dentist guide explains how the bands work.
If you can't find an NHS appointment in time, a private dentist may be able to see you sooner. Private fees are set by each practice, so ask for the cost before treatment starts.
Preventing toothache
The NHS advises brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between your teeth every day, cutting down on sugary food and drink, and going for regular dental check-ups.
Sources: NHS: Toothache, NHS: Tooth decay, NHS: How to find an NHS dentist in an emergency, NHS: Understanding NHS dental charges.
Last reviewed: 6 October 2026. This guide is general information, not medical advice. If you are worried, contact a dentist or NHS 111.