Dental Symptoms Guide

A severe infection creating a pocket of pus in the tooth or gum, causing intense pain and swelling.

EMERGENCY - Within 24 hours or go to ER.

Swelling in the face, cheek, or jaw area caused by dental infection, requiring urgent attention.

EMERGENCY - Immediately or go to ER.

A tooth infection (abscess) is a pocket of pus caused by bacterial infection, which can occur at the tip of the root or in the gums.

Immediately or within 24-48 hours.

An adult tooth that moves or feels unstable, which is never normal and indicates underlying dental problems.

Within 24-48 hours.

A cracked tooth has a fracture that can range from minor (craze lines) to severe (split tooth), causing varying levels of pain and sensitivity.

Within a few days for minor cracks.

A tooth that no longer receives blood flow, causing discoloration (grey, black, or dark yellow) and potential infection.

Within 1-2 weeks.

Lockjaw is the everyday name for a jaw that will not open fully, often with tightness or pain in the cheek or in front of the ear. It can come from the jaw joint, the chewing muscles, dental work, an infection or an injury.

See a dentist or doctor the same day or the next day.

Tooth pain that can range from mild sensitivity to severe throbbing, indicating various dental problems from cavities to infections.

Within 1-2 days for persistent pain.

A red tongue looks brighter or deeper red than usual, all over or in patches or dots. A strawberry tongue is red, swollen and bumpy. Some causes need prompt medical attention, especially in a child with a fever.

See a dentist or doctor within a few days for a red, sore or smooth tongue.

Gum inflammation causing red, puffy, or bleeding gums, often a sign of gingivitis, periodontitis, or infection.

Within 1-2 weeks if mild.

Pain in the jaw joint (TMJ) or surrounding muscles, affecting chewing, speaking, and daily comfort.

Within 1-2 weeks for mild cases.

A hole in the tooth caused by decay, starting small but growing larger and deeper if untreated.

Within 1-2 weeks.

Gums that bleed during brushing, flossing, or spontaneously, often indicating gum disease or other health issues.

Within 2 weeks if bleeding persists.

Sharp, sudden pain when teeth are exposed to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic substances, or when brushing.

Within 2-4 weeks if persistent.

Chronic bad breath (halitosis) that does not improve with regular brushing, often indicating underlying dental or health issues.

Within 2-4 weeks if home remedies do not help.

Tartar, also called calculus, is plaque that has hardened onto the teeth as a rough yellow, tan or dark deposit, usually along the gumline. It cannot be brushed off or removed safely at home; a dentist or dental hygienist removes it.

Book a routine cleaning with a dentist or dental hygienist, who can remove tartar safely; nothing at home takes it off.