What to do in a dental emergency
By Dr James Whitaker · GDC No. not shown on demo · 14 July 2026 · 3 min read

For a knocked-out adult tooth, hold it by the crown (not the root), keep it in milk or in your cheek, and call us straight away. Time matters.
For a sudden toothache, rinse with warm water and call us. Do not put painkillers directly on the gum. If a tooth breaks, save any pieces and rinse gently.
Out of hours, call NHS 111 for urgent dental advice. Call 999 or go to A&E if swelling affects your breathing, swallowing or vision.
Information on this website is general and is not a substitute for advice from a dental professional. Please book an appointment for advice about your own teeth.