Choose a symptom and answer simple questions using our physician-reviewed symptom checker to find more information on your health issue.
Did you have an injury that knocked out a tooth?
Choose an option below.
You have TOOTH LOSS.
Do you have pain that is specific to one tooth?
Have you broken or chipped a tooth, or is the tooth loose in its socket?
Your pain may be from a FRACTURED, CRACKED, or LOOSE TOOTH.
Do you feel pain when you eat cold foods or liquids?
Your pain may be from a CAVITY or SENSITIVE TEETH.
Do you have redness or swelling around one or more teeth, in your gums or in your face?
You may have a dental ABSCESS or an INFECTION in a tooth, gums or other tissues.
Do you have redness and swelling in large areas of your gums, or is the skin inside your mouth peeling?
You may have an infection such as TRENCH MOUTH, GINGIVITIS, or PERIODONTITIS. A rare medication reaction, STEVENS-JOHNSON REACTION, may also cause this.
Do you have headaches, pain near your ear, or do you hear a cracking sound when you bite or chew?
Your pain may be from TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT (TMJ) SYNDROME, a condition that affects the jaw. This can also be worsened by grinding your teeth, which can occur while you are sleeping.
DENTAL EMERGENCY
See your dentist or go to the emergency room right away. Keep the tooth moist. It’s best to keep the tooth in your mouth until you get to the dentist or emergency room. The tooth may be saved.
Save any pieces of the tooth, wrap them in a cool, moist cloth or keep them in your mouth (without swallowing them) and see your dentist as soon as possible.
Make an appointment to see your dentist. Proper brushing and flossing along with fluoride rinses and coatings, as suggested by your dentist, may prevent tooth decay.
URGENT See your dentist or doctor right away.
See your dentist or doctor right away. You may be given antibiotics to stop the infection. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen, may relieve discomfort. Many of these infections can be prevented with proper dental care, such as brushing and flossing regularly. Stop any new medications until you have seen your doctor.
Try relaxing your jaw when you are tense or nervous. Stop chewing gum. Try a mild anti-inflammatory medicine, such as ibuprofen. If you don’t get better, see your dentist.
For more information, please talk to your doctor or your dentist. If you think the problem is serious, call your doctor or your dentist right away.
DISCLAIMER
Symptom Checker content is provided for informational purposes only. This tool may leverage certain generative artificial intelligence tools to generate results, but you should not rely on this tool as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about your health or the information provided when you use this tool, you should always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional. Do not disregard, avoid, or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your healthcare professional because of something you may have read using this tool or on the FamilyDoctor.org website. Use this content solely at your own risk. If you think you may have a medical emergency, dial 911.
