Prevention matters, but some symptoms can't wait for a routine checkup, and you shouldn't try to "wait it out" until a convenient day.
Reasons to seek care urgently
- severe tooth pain or pain when biting down;
- swelling of the gum, face, or jaw;
- pus, a bad taste, a high fever;
- an injury, a chip, a knocked-out or severely loosened tooth;
- bleeding that won't stop;
- trouble opening your mouth, swallowing, speaking, or breathing.
What to do
Contact your dental practice or an emergency dental service. If breathing or swallowing is affected, swelling is growing quickly, or you feel very unwell overall, you need emergency medical care.
AiOraly's role
AiOraly shows red flags and helps you prepare information for your dentist, but it doesn't assess infection severity remotely and doesn't replace an urgent exam.
Sources: NHS dental abscess, NHS England urgent dental care, ADA acute dental pain.