The Children's Dentist
Symptom Checker
Answer a few quick questions to find out what to do next. This is a guide only—when in doubt, always call us.
For detailed step-by-step guidance on emergencies, see the 🚨 Dental Emergency Guide.
What is your child experiencing?
How would you describe the pain?
Is this a baby tooth or a permanent (adult) tooth?
How large is the swelling?
How long has the bleeding been going on?
Is there pain or a sharp edge?
Does your child have any of the following?
🚨 Call us now
Severe toothache in a child often indicates an infection or abscess that needs urgent treatment.
- Keep your child calm and comfortable.
- Avoid very hot, cold, or sweet food and drink.
- Do not place anything directly on the tooth or gum.
- Call us straight away to arrange same-day care.
📅 Call within 24 hours
Moderate tooth pain should be assessed soon to prevent it from worsening.
- Keep the area clean—rinse with warm salt water after meals.
- Avoid very sweet, hot, or cold foods.
- Call us to book an urgent appointment.
✅ Book a routine appointment
Mild sensitivity can be an early sign of enamel wear or a developing cavity. Not urgent, but worth checking.
- Use a soft-bristled brush and avoid abrasive brushing.
- Switch to a sensitivity toothpaste if it persists.
- Book a checkup at your next convenient time.
🚨 Act immediately — permanent tooth
You have a 30–60 minute window to save this tooth.
- Pick up the tooth by the crown (white part). Do not touch the root.
- Rinse gently with water for 10 seconds. Do not scrub.
- Try to place it back in the socket. If not possible, store in cold milk.
- Come to the clinic immediately. Call ahead.
📅 Call us — baby tooth
Do not try to reimplant a knocked-out baby tooth—it can damage the permanent tooth developing underneath.
- Apply gentle pressure with clean gauze if there is bleeding.
- Call us so we can check for any damage to the socket or jaw.
- A same-day or next-day appointment is recommended.
🚨 Call us — don't wait
If you're unsure whether it's a baby or permanent tooth, treat it as urgent. Call us and we'll guide you.
🚨 Seek emergency care immediately
Significant facial swelling—especially with difficulty breathing or swallowing—is a medical emergency. A dental abscess can spread rapidly.
- If breathing is affected, go to the nearest hospital A&E right now.
- Otherwise, call us immediately for same-day care.
- Do not apply heat or attempt to self-treat. Contact us immediately.
📅 Call us today
Noticeable swelling around a tooth usually indicates infection. It needs assessment the same day.
- Rinse with warm salt water.
- Do not pop or squeeze any swelling.
- Call us for a same-day appointment.
👀 Monitor and call if it worsens
Mild gum soreness can be caused by teething, minor irritation, or early gum inflammation.
- Rinse with warm salt water 2–3 times a day.
- Gently brush the area to keep it clean.
- If it doesn't improve in 2–3 days or gets worse, call us.
🚨 Call us or go to A&E
Bleeding that doesn't stop after 15 minutes of steady pressure needs immediate attention.
- Keep applying firm, gentle pressure with clean gauze. Don't release and check—hold continuously.
- Have your child sit upright and lean slightly forward.
- If bleeding is very heavy or doesn't slow at all, go to the nearest hospital.
- Call us on the way.
✅ This is likely manageable
Minor mouth bleeds often stop with pressure. Some oozing after a tooth extraction or minor injury is normal.
- Maintain gentle pressure with clean gauze for 10–15 minutes without releasing.
- Have your child rest quietly and avoid spitting or rinsing for an hour.
- Offer cool fluids (not hot) to help.
- If it restarts or doesn't fully stop, call us.
📅 Book a checkup
Gums that bleed regularly during brushing are a sign of gingivitis (gum inflammation)—very common and treatable, but it needs attention.
- Brush gently twice daily with a soft brush. Don't avoid the area—gentle brushing is the treatment.
- Floss daily where teeth are in contact.
- Book a professional clean and checkup. We can show you improved technique.
📅 Call within 24 hours
A broken tooth with pain or sharp edges needs prompt care.
- Cover any sharp edge with a small piece of sugar-free gum or dental wax (available at pharmacies).
- Save any large broken pieces in milk or saliva.
- Rinse with warm water.
- Apply a cold compress to the cheek if there is swelling.
- Call us for an urgent appointment.
✅ Book a routine appointment
A minor chip with no pain is not an emergency, but it should be smoothed and assessed before it grows.
- Avoid biting hard foods on that tooth.
- Book a checkup at your convenience—within the next week is ideal.
🚨 Call us today — possible dental infection
Fever combined with dental pain or swelling often indicates an abscess or spreading infection. This needs same-day care.
📅 Call us or try to remove gently
If something is stuck between teeth, try gently flossing it out. Do not use sharp objects or force.
- Use dental floss, not a toothpick or sharp instrument.
- If it doesn't come out easily, call us—we can remove it safely.
- Do not repeatedly poke the area as it can cause damage.
✅ Book a routine checkup
It sounds like a routine concern. Regular checkups every 6 months are the best way to catch and prevent problems early.
This tool provides general guidance only and is not a substitute for professional dental advice. Always call us when in doubt.