If a wisdom tooth is causing pain, book a dentist appointment so they can check how the tooth is coming through. In the meantime, the NHS toothache advice is to take ibuprofen or paracetamol, eat soft foods and avoid chewing on that side. Get urgent help if swelling spreads to your eye or neck, or makes it hard to breathe, swallow or speak.
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.
- You're finding it hard to open your mouth, or you have a lot of swelling in your mouth. Go to A&E or call 999.
- You have severe 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.
- You think you have a dental abscess. Ask a dentist for an urgent appointment or call NHS 111.
- After a wisdom tooth has been removed, you have bleeding that won't stop, pain and swelling that is severe or getting worse, or signs of infection such as a high temperature. Contact your dentist or call NHS 111.
Why wisdom teeth can hurt
The NHS says wisdom teeth can cause problems when there isn't enough space for them to come through into your mouth fully. When that happens, they can lead to:
- Pain and swelling.
- An infection in the gums around the tooth, called pericoronitis.
- Food getting stuck around the tooth.
- Tooth decay or gum disease.
- A build-up of fluid around the tooth, called a cyst.
- A dental abscess.
A dentist will need to examine you, and may take X-rays, to see what is causing your pain.
What you can do now
The NHS advice for easing toothache until you see a dentist is:
- Take ibuprofen or paracetamol, without going over the recommended dose. A pharmacist can advise you on which to take.
- Use a pain-relief gel for your mouth from a pharmacy.
- Rinse your mouth with salt water. This is for adults only.
- Eat soft foods and try not to chew with the painful area.
- Use a soft toothbrush.
- Avoid food and drink that is sugary, very hot or very cold, and don't smoke.
Don't go to your GP for wisdom tooth pain. The NHS says GPs can't give dental treatment.
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.
What a dentist may do
The NHS says that if a wisdom tooth isn't causing problems, it will usually be left where it is and monitored at your check-ups.
If it is causing problems, a dentist may recommend taking it out. A dentist might be able to remove it themselves, or they may refer you to a specialist at a hospital, clinic or another dental surgery. The NHS says the procedure often takes just a few minutes, and should take no more than 40 minutes.
If an abscess has formed, the dentist will usually drain the pus. You may also be given painkillers or antibiotics.
After a wisdom tooth is removed
The NHS recovery advice includes:
- Take paracetamol or ibuprofen to help with pain.
- Eat soft or liquid food until you can chew more comfortably.
- Keep the wound clean by rinsing gently with mouthwash or warm salt water.
- If you get bleeding, press on the area for at least 10 minutes.
- Don't smoke, as it can increase the risk of infection, and avoid alcohol and very hot drinks.
Possible complications include dry socket, infection and nerve damage that can cause numbness.
NHS or private
Wisdom tooth removal is available on the NHS. The NHS says you'll pay for a Band 2 course of treatment, unless you're entitled to free NHS dental treatment. Our NHS dentist guide explains the bands.
A private dentist may be able to see you sooner. Private fees vary by practice, so ask for the cost before treatment starts.
Sources: NHS: Wisdom tooth removal, NHS: Toothache, NHS: Dental abscess, 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.