What to do when your teeth and gums hurt
For painful teeth and gums, keep the area clean, avoid irritants, use suitable labelled pain relief, and arrange an examination to find the cause.
What is the direct answer?
For painful teeth and gums, keep the area clean, avoid irritants, use suitable labelled pain relief, and arrange an examination to find the cause.
What does this question mean?
Pain can arise from decay, inflamed pulp, a crack, gum inflammation, an abscess, trapped food, trauma, or a bite problem. Swelling confined to the gum differs from spreading facial swelling.
What can you do next?
Rinse gently with warm water, clean between teeth, choose soft foods, and avoid aspirin or chemicals directly on the gum. A dentist may test the pulp, pockets, bite, and imaging before treatment.
When should you seek dental care?
Seek same-day care for swelling, fever, pus, severe pain, pain on biting, or difficulty opening the mouth. Emergency care is needed for breathing or swallowing difficulty.
What should you ask the dentist?
Ask whether the pain is from the tooth, gum, jaw joint, or appliance, and whether drainage or dental treatment is required.
Frequently asked questions
Can a symptom identify the exact cause?
A symptom narrows the possibilities, but an examination may be needed to identify the tooth, gum, appliance, or oral tissue involved.
What should I bring to an appointment?
Bring the start date, triggers, visible changes, medicines, relevant medical conditions, and details of any injury or dental treatment.