Dental pain has a way of taking over your whole day. When it feels urgent, the goal is to stay calm, reduce discomfort safely, and get the right help quickly. Here’s a clear step-by-step guide you can follow.
Step 1: Work Out Whether It’s an Emergency
Some dental problems should be treated as urgent, especially if you have any of the following:
- Swelling in the face or jaw
- Bleeding that won’t stop
- A knocked-out or loose tooth after an injury
- Severe pain that’s getting worse
- Signs of infection, such as a bad taste, pus, or fever
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
If you have trouble breathing, severe swelling affecting your throat, or feel seriously unwell, seek urgent medical help immediately.
Step 2: Stop What Might Be Making It Worse
Before reaching for pain relief, remove the obvious triggers:
- Avoid chewing on the painful side
- Avoid very hot, very cold, sugary, or acidic foods and drinks
- Don’t poke the area with sharp objects
- Don’t place aspirin directly on the gum or tooth, as it can burn the tissue
Step 3: Rinse Gently to Clean the Area
A gentle rinse can help remove irritants and soothe inflamed gums.
- Use warm salt water (a small teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water)
- Swish gently for 20 to 30 seconds, then spit out
- Repeat a few times a day if needed
If you suspect a cracked tooth or exposed nerve, keep rinsing gentle rather than vigorous.
Step 4: Use Cold Compresses for Swelling
If there’s swelling or pain after an injury:
- Apply a cold compress to the outside of the cheek
- Use 10 minutes on, 10 minutes off; this can reduce inflammation and dull pain temporarily
- Avoid placing ice directly on the skin.
Step 5: Take Pain Relief Safely
Over-the-counter pain relief can help you cope until you’re seen, but always follow the packet instructions and check what’s safe for you.
- Paracetamol and ibuprofen are commonly used options for dental pain
- Don’t exceed the recommended dose
- If you’re unsure due to other conditions or medications, check with a pharmacist
Avoid alcohol, which can worsen inflammation and interfere with some medicines.
Step 6: Check for Common Clues That Point to the Cause
You don’t need a diagnosis, but it helps to note what you’re experiencing:
- Sharp pain on biting could suggest a cracked tooth or loose filling
- Throbbing pain with sensitivity may point to nerve inflammation
- Pain with swollen gums may suggest an infection or abscess
- Pain around a partially erupted wisdom tooth can be linked to gum irritation
Make a quick note of when it started, what makes it worse, and whether swelling or fever is present.
Step 7: Contact an Emergency Dentist as Soon as Possible
If the pain is intense, persistent, or accompanied by swelling, don’t wait it out. Book emergency dental appointments Bognor Regis so you can be assessed and treated quickly. Early treatment often prevents a small issue from becoming far more serious and costly.
Step 8: Know What to Do for Specific Situations
If a tooth is knocked out:
- Hold it by the crown, not the root
- If it’s dirty, rinse briefly with milk or saline, don’t scrub
- Try to place it back in the socket if you can
- If not, store it in milk and seek urgent dental help immediately
If a filling or crown comes out:
- Keep the area clean
- Avoid chewing on that side
- Save the crown if possible, as it may be possible to reattach it
If you suspect an abscess:
- Don’t try to drain it yourself
- Seek urgent dental treatment, as infections can spread
Step 9: Prepare for Your Appointment
To help the dentist treat you efficiently:
- Note your symptoms and how long they have been happening
- List any medications you take and allergies you have
- Be ready to describe the pain (sharp, dull, throbbing, constant, triggered by hot or cold)
Step 10: Follow Aftercare Carefully
Once treated, aftercare is just as important as the appointment itself.
- Take any prescribed medication exactly as directed
- Follow advice on eating, brushing, and cleaning the area
- Attend any follow-up visits to fully resolve the cause of the pain
Dental pain is your body’s way of asking for attention. Acting quickly, using safe short-term relief, and getting professional treatment is the best route to feeling normal again.
Punit