Swollen tooth: what to do
A swollen tooth means a swollen gum or cheek. It usually comes from an infection in a tooth or the gum. Even if the swelling goes down, the infection stays, so have it seen the same day.
Do not wait if
- The swelling grows fast towards the eye, the neck or under the jaw
- You have a temperature
- It is hard to swallow or breathe
- You cannot open your mouth
Do not wait for a dentist: call 103.
Call 103If you do not have these signs, have the tooth seen the same day or as soon as possible. Call right away: if there is a free slot, a same-day visit is possible.
Until you see a dentist
Home remedies do not treat the infection, but they can keep it from getting worse.
What helps
- Rinse your mouth with warm water.
- You can put something cold on the outside of the face.
- If you need a painkiller, take only one that suits you and follow the instructions.
- When you lie down, keep your head a little raised.
What not to do
- Do not warm a swollen cheek: no hot compresses.
- Do not take leftover antibiotics on your own.
- Do not put aspirin or any other tablet next to the tooth: it burns the gum.
- Do not squeeze or pierce the swelling.
Why does it swell?
Swelling is a sign of infection. It usually comes from one of three causes:
- Infection at the root Deep decay reaches the inside of the tooth and the infection spreads to the tip of the root.
- Infection in a gum pocket Infection collects between the tooth and the gum, and the gum swells.
- Infection around a wisdom tooth The gum over a wisdom tooth that has only partly come through swells.
What happens at the visit
The cause of the swelling is found and treated.
Examination
The tooth is examined and, if needed, a panoramic X-ray or a 3D scan is taken at the clinic to find which tooth the swelling comes from. You are told beforehand what will be done and what it costs.
Treating the cause
If the cause is inside the tooth, the canal is opened and cleaned, which lets the infection drain. If it is in a gum pocket, the pocket is cleaned.
Gum care
If there is gum disease, it is treated and you are shown how to look after your gums at home.
If a child's tooth is swollen
Swelling of a child's cheek or gum usually comes from an infection in a tooth. Bring the child to the dentist the same day. Do not warm the swelling and do not give antibiotics without a doctor's prescription.
If the swelling spreads towards the eye or neck, a temperature rises or the child finds it hard to swallow, call an ambulance straight away (103).
Frequently asked questions
Can I put a warm compress on a swollen tooth?
No. Heat can make the infection and the swelling worse. You can put something cold on the outside of the face. Even if the swelling goes down, the cause stays in the tooth, so have it seen by a dentist the same day or as soon as possible.
Should I take antibiotics for a swollen tooth?
Not on your own. Leftover antibiotics do not remove the cause of the infection: once you stop them, the swelling can come back. An antibiotic is only needed when a doctor prescribes it after an examination. If the swelling spreads and you have a temperature, see a doctor urgently.
Can a swollen tooth heal by itself?
The swelling may go down for a while, but the cause stays in the tooth or the gum and the swelling can return. Only treatment removes the cause: root canal or gum treatment. Have the tooth seen as soon as possible.
Can a swollen tooth be saved?
Often it can. The dentist tries to save the tooth with root canal treatment. After the examination, and a panoramic X-ray or 3D scan if needed, you are told which approach suits your tooth.
How soon should I see a dentist?
The same day or as soon as possible. Call right away: if there is a free slot, a same-day visit is possible. You can also send a message on WhatsApp with which side is swollen, since when, and whether you have a temperature; you can send a photo too. If the swelling spreads to the eye or neck, or it is hard to swallow or breathe, call 103.
These may help too
Swollen gum or cheek?
Send a message on WhatsApp and say which side is swollen and since when. You can send a photo too. You will be told the earliest free time.