Dental cavities: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Call emergency services or go to an emergency department if swelling affects breathing or swallowing, spreads toward the eye or neck, or causes severe difficulty opening your mouth.

   These signs may indicate a spreading infection.

   Other emergency signs, for anyone

   • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
   • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
   • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
   • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
   • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
   • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
   • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
   • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
2. 2

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   Do not wait for a suspected cavity to become painful, because early treatment may be simpler.

   Seek prompt dental care for persistent toothache, pain that wakes you, swelling near a tooth, pus, a bad taste from the affected area, or difficulty opening your mouth.

   Get urgent same-day medical or dental help if facial or jaw swelling is increasing, or if dental pain occurs with fever or feeling significantly unwell.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
3. 3

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   Arrange a routine dental appointment for tooth sensitivity, a visible spot or hole, food trapping, a rough tooth surface, or mild recurring pain.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Dental cavities. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.