Gum disease: 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 makes it difficult to breathe or swallow, spreads into the neck or around an eye, or is accompanied by confusion or severe illness.

   These signs may indicate that an infection is affecting the airway or spreading beyond the mouth.

   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

   Seek urgent dental care if you have rapidly increasing gum or facial swelling, severe dental pain, fever with swelling, difficulty opening your mouth, or a painful lump that may contain pus.

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

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   Arrange a routine dental appointment if your gums repeatedly bleed, remain swollen, have receded, or if bad breath continues despite cleaning.

   You should also arrange an assessment if an adult tooth feels loose, your bite has changed, or you notice pus around a tooth.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

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