Can you call 111 for dental problems?

See a dentist if you have toothache that lasts more than 2 days. There are things you can do to ease it while you wait for an appointment.

How to ease toothache while waiting for an appointment

Do

• take painkillers, like ibuprofen or paracetamol (children under 16 should not take aspirin) – a pharmacist can advise you

• try rinsing your mouth with salt water (children should not try this)

• use a pain-relieving gel for your mouth – this can be bought from pharmacies or supermarkets

• eat soft foods, like yoghurt or scrambled eggs, and try to avoid chewing with the sore tooth

Don’t

• do not eat foods that are sweet, very hot or very cold

• do not smoke – it can make some dental problems worse

1. Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water – warm water helps salt dissolve.
2. Rinse your mouth with the solution, then spit it out – do not swallow it.
3. Repeat as often as you like.

Causes of toothache

Toothache can be caused by:

• tooth decay
• a dental abscess
• a cracked or damaged tooth
• a loose or broken filling
• an infection – this often happens when a tooth (such as a wisdom tooth) has broken the skin, but does not have enough room to fully come through
• problems with your braces

How to prevent toothache

The best way to prevent toothache is to keep your teeth and gums as healthy as possible.

To do this:

• have regular dental check-ups
• cut down on sugary foods and drinks – only have them as an occasional treat at mealtimes
• brush your teeth twice a day for about 2 minutes with a fluoride toothpaste
• clean between your teeth using floss or an interdental brush every day to remove food, debris and plaque

Getting help from a dentist

Dentists are open for urgent and routine treatments. If you're registered with a dentist, you can contact the surgery by phone or in person.

You might have to wait for an appointment if it's not urgent.

If you need dental treatment in an emergency

• call a dentist: some surgeries offer appointments at short notice
• if you do not have a dentist, find one using NHS 111

If you need to see a dentist out of hours

• call a dentist: their voicemail may advise where to get out-of-hours treatment
• call NHS 111 to find an out-of-hours dental service near you

Do not contact a GP, as they will not be able to offer emergency or out-of-hours dental care.

If you're in pain while waiting to see a dentist, take painkillers. NHS 111 can also offer other self-care advice.

How much will I be charged?

An urgent dental treatment will cost £23.80, unless you're entitled to free NHS dental treatment.

If you're asked to come back for further treatment, this will be considered to be a separate course of non-urgent treatment.

If you're not entitled to free NHS dental treatment, you'll have to pay the relevant charge for the new course of treatment.

Ask the dentist what the treatment will cost or whether you can have a treatment plan.

Find information on understanding NHS dental charges.

When to go to hospital

Only go to A&E in serious circumstances, such as:

• severe pain
• heavy bleeding
• injuries to the face, mouth, or teeth

If you're not sure whether you should go to A&E, contact NHS 111, who will be able to advise you. Find out when to dial 999.

Further information

• Dental care for babies and children
• Dental health