Swelling of the face or jaw near a painful tooth is usually caused by an infection, such as a dental abscess or an infected wisdom tooth. It always needs a dentist, and sometimes it needs urgent hospital care.
Call 999 or go to A&E now if the swelling is spreading to your eye or neck, you find it hard to breathe, swallow or open your mouth, or you feel very unwell with a high temperature.
Speak to a dentist today if the swelling is getting bigger, you have a raised temperature, or the pain is severe. On a video consultation a dentist can look at the swelling, decide whether antibiotics are needed and arrange the right next step.
Not sure how worried you should be?
A UK dentist can look at the swelling by video for £19.99 — usually the same day — and tell you the right next step.
Book a video consultationIn the meantime, take pain relief that is safe for you as directed, hold a cold compress on the outside of your cheek, and drink plenty of fluids. Do not apply heat to the swelling, and do not try to burst it.
ToothAid video consultations with GDC-registered UK dentists cost £19.99 and are usually available the same day.