Tooth pain
Tooth pain: when to call and what to say
How to describe a toothache, what you can do while arranging care, and which symptoms need urgent attention.
Call a dentist when pain persists or returns, and mention swelling or fever right away. Trouble breathing or swallowing requires emergency care.
Call a dentist if the pain stays or keeps coming back
Call a dentist promptly if a toothache persists, returns, or makes chewing difficult. Mention any swelling, fever, or recent injury at the start of the call. These details help the dental team decide how soon you need care.
Say when it started, which side it’s on, and whether it comes on with biting, hot or cold drinks, or on its own. If it wakes you up or the pain lingers after the trigger is gone, mention that too. Similar symptoms can have different causes, so a dental exam is the way to find out what’s going on.
What can you do while arranging care?
You can rinse gently with warm water. If food seems to be stuck between your teeth, try removing it carefully with floss. Avoid poking around the tooth with sharp objects or placing aspirin directly on the tooth or gum. If the pain eases but has been coming back, keep the appointment.
If you’re calling Dr. Meroueh’s Dearborn office, ask whether it can see you for the problem and what it recommends if there is no appointment available.
When does a toothache need emergency care?
Seek emergency care immediately if you have trouble breathing or swallowing. If you have a fever with facial swelling and cannot reach a dentist promptly, go to an emergency department. Those symptoms can occur when a dental infection spreads.