A toothache or tooth injury can feel scary. Knowing who to see first helps you protect your tooth and your health. This short guide shows when to call a dentist and when to go to a hospital.

Toothache or tooth injury: when to go to a hospital first

Some problems need medical care before dental care. Go to a hospital or call 911 if you have any of these signs:

• Swelling of the face, mouth or neck that keeps spreading.
• Trouble breathing or swallowing.
• A fever together with a painful, swollen jaw.
• A serious blow to the head or face.
• Bleeding that will not stop.

When a toothache or tooth injury needs a dentist

Most tooth problems are best handled by a dentist. A dentist can find the cause and treat it. See a dentist soon if you notice:

• A cracked, chipped or loose tooth.
• Pain that lingers or wakes you at night.
• A lost filling or crown.
• A sore gum with a bump or pimple.
• A tooth knocked out of its socket.

If a tooth is knocked out, hold it by the crown, not the root. Rinse it gently with water and do not scrub it. Keep it moist in milk or inside your cheek. Then get dental care right away, because the first hour matters.

Why a dentist is the right call for a toothache or tooth injury

Dentists examine the tooth, take X-rays and treat the cause of the pain. A hospital can manage serious medical symptoms, but it usually cannot repair a tooth. Calling a dentist early often keeps the treatment simple.

How to prevent a tooth injury or toothache

• Wear a mouthguard for sports.
• Book regular checkups and cleanings to catch decay and cracks early.
• Avoid chewing ice, hard candy and pen caps.
• Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily.

Parliament Street Dentistry offers personalized family dental care at 543 Parliament Street in Cabbagetown, Toronto. We accept CDCP and bill most dental insurance plans directly. Read our new patient information or contact our office with any questions.