Let’s be honest — tooth pain is the worst. It creeps in slowly or sometimes hits you like a truck at 3 am, and suddenly you’re googling things like “Can I pull my own tooth out?” (Please don’t.) One question a lot of people ask when the pain gets unbearable is: “Should I go to A&E?”
The Short Answer : Not Usually
A&E (Accident & Emergency) is there for serious, life-threatening situations. Think heart attacks, broken bones, or deep cuts that won’t stop bleeding. A toothache, as horrible as it feels, usually doesn’t fall into that category.
That said — there are times when you should go to A&E for a dental issue.
When It Is an Emergency
Here’s when you shouldn’t mess around — and yes, A&E is the right call:
- Severe swelling that’s affecting your eye, throat, or neck
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Heavy bleeding that won’t stop
- Facial trauma (e.g., from a fall or accident that involves teeth, jaw, or mouth bones)
These could point to an infection that’s spreading or a more serious issue, and waiting it out could actually be dangerous.
So… What Should You Do If It’s Just Really Painful?
If it’s not an emergency but your tooth is killing you, here’s what to do:
- Call your dentist — even if it’s out of hours, many practices have emergency numbers or advice lines.
- NHS 111 (in the UK) is a solid option for guidance if you’re not sure what to do next.
- Temporary pain relief — over-the-counter meds like ibuprofen or paracetamol can help take the edge off. A cold compress on your cheek might help too.
What If I Don’t Have a Dentist?
Totally get it — lots of people don’t have a regular dentist these days. But there are still options:
- You can call NHS 111 and ask to be directed to an emergency dental service.
- Some areas have walk-in dental clinics, though they vary depending on where you live.
- You can also try local private dentists — many offer same-day emergency slots, even for new patients.
Bottom Line
A&E isn’t the go-to place for most tooth problems — but if your pain comes with major swelling, trouble breathing, or trauma, don’t wait. Get help.
For anything less urgent, reach out to a dentist or call NHS 111 for advice. Your teeth might be small, but when they hurt, they demand attention. Just make sure you’re getting the right kind of help.