---
title: "Toothache: What It Means & When to See a GP | HealthAnswers"
description: "Toothache self-care, finding urgent NHS dental treatment, and red flags such as facial swelling or difficulty breathing."
url: https://healthanswers.co.uk/symptoms/toothache/
robots: noindex
---

# Toothache: What It Means & When to See a GP | HealthAnswers

Symptoms

Toothache self-care, finding urgent NHS dental treatment, and red flags such as facial swelling or difficulty breathing.

Written by HealthAnswers editorial team Medically reviewed by [HealthAnswers UK doctor review panel](https://healthanswers.co.uk/our-doctors/) Reviewed 1 August 2026

## Quick answer

What could toothache mean? Toothache lasting more than 2 days, not controlled by pain relief, or accompanied by fever, pain on biting, red gums or a bad taste needs a dentist. Facial or neck swelling, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or swelling around the eye is an emergency.

## Who is this page for?

This page is for people in the UK who want a plain-English overview of Toothache, including when to seek help and what NHS care usually involves. It explains general information, not what is wrong with you personally.

## Who should skip this page?

Skip this page if you need a diagnosis, a prescription, or emergency care. It cannot replace a GP, pharmacist, NHS 111 or 999. If you are in immediate danger, call 999; for urgent advice that is not life-threatening, call 111 in England, Scotland or Wales, or use your GP out-of-hours service in Northern Ireland.

On this page 3 sections

## Common causes of toothache

- Toothache is treated by a dentist, not a GP.
- Paracetamol or ibuprofen may help if suitable; follow the packet.
- Do not place aspirin directly on the tooth or gum.

## Common causes

Decay, a cracked tooth, a loose filling, gum disease, an abscess, wisdom teeth and tooth grinding can all cause pain.

## Getting urgent dental care

Call your dentist first. If you do not have one or cannot access urgent care, NHS 111 can direct you to local services. Do not attend a GP surgery for dental treatment.

## Until the appointment

Rinse gently with warm salt water if old enough to do so safely, keep food away from the painful side and avoid smoking.

## ! When to get medical help for toothache

Contact a dentist urgently or use NHS 111 to find urgent dental care if pain persists, sleep is affected, or swelling, fever or a bad taste develops. Call **999** for severe swelling affecting breathing, swallowing or the eye.

## Common questions about toothache

Can a GP prescribe for toothache? A GP cannot provide the dental procedure that treats the cause. Contact a dentist or NHS 111 for urgent dental access. What can I do while waiting for a dentist? Use suitable packet-directed pain relief, eat soft foods, avoid very hot or cold items and brush gently. Do antibiotics cure toothache? Not usually. Dental treatment is needed for decay or abscess; antibiotics are reserved for selected spreading or systemic infections.

## Sources

- [NHS — Toothache](https://www.nhs.uk/symptoms/toothache/)