Dental Pain

Dealing with Dental Pain: Why You Should See a Dentist, Not a GP

If you are experiencing dental pain, swelling, or other oral health problems, your dentist is the best person to assess and treat your condition. GPs are not trained in dental care and are not able to provide the right treatment for dental problems.

Why Should I See a Dentist Instead of a GP?

🔹 Dentists are experts in oral health – They can diagnose and treat the root cause of your pain, rather than just managing symptoms.
🔹 GPs cannot prescribe antibiotics for dental infections – Antibiotics should only be prescribed when absolutely necessary, and a dentist is the right professional to decide this.
🔹 Painkillers are a temporary solution – A GP may be able to recommend over-the-counter pain relief, but this will not treat the underlying dental issue.
🔹 Delaying treatment can make things worse – Dental infections and untreated tooth problems can worsen over time, leading to complications.

What Should I Do If I Have Dental Pain?

1. Contact your dentist as soon as possible. They will assess your condition and provide the necessary treatment.
2. If you do not have a regular dentist, you can find an NHS dentist near you by visiting www.nhs.uk or calling NHS 111 for urgent advice. You can also contact the Dental Access Centre on 01392 405718.
3. For pain relief, over-the-counter medications such as paracetamol or ibuprofen may help until you see a dentist. Speak to a pharmacist for advice.

When Might a Dentist Prescribe Antibiotics?

Dentists will only prescribe antibiotics if there is a serious infection that cannot be immediately treated with dental procedures. Antibiotics are not a cure for toothache and should not be used as a substitute for dental treatment.

What If I Have a Dental Emergency?

🚨 Seek urgent dental care if you have:
✔️ Severe pain that is not relieved by painkillers
✔️ Swelling in your face, mouth, or neck
✔️ Difficulty swallowing or breathing
✔️ Uncontrolled bleeding after a dental procedure

In rare cases, dental infections can spread and become life-threatening. If you are experiencing severe swelling affecting your breathing or swallowing, go to A&E or call 999 immediately.

Where Can I Get Help?

• Find an NHS dentist: www.nhs.uk
• NHS 111 – Call for urgent dental advice
• Local pharmacies – For pain relief recommendations

GPs are not trained in dental care, and seeing a dentist is the fastest and safest way to get the right treatment. Please contact a dental professional for any concerns about your teeth, gums, or oral health.