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Toothache and Gum Problems - Check Your Symptoms

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, click on the "Yes" in front of the question for information about how soon to see a health professional.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Step One

Step Two

Step Three

If you have the following, evaluate those symptoms first.

A mouth or dental problem that was caused by an injury: Go to the topic Mouth and Dental Injuries.
A lip, mouth, or tongue problem: Go to the topic Mouth Problems, Noninjury.


	Yes

Do you have a toothache?


	Yes

Do you have a toothache and a fever?


	Yes

Do you have gum problems?


	Yes

Do you have a sensitive tooth?


	Yes

Do you think that your gum or tooth problem is caused by a medicine?


	Yes

Are your dentures or other dental appliance causing discomfort?


	Yes

Do you have a severe toothache that has not improved after 2 hours of home treatment?


	Yes

Do you have swelling or pain in your face?


	Yes

Do you have red, swollen, painful gums or a bump near the sore tooth?


	Yes

Is your toothache interfering with your sleep or other activities?


	Yes

Do you have a moderate toothache that has not gotten better after 24 hours of home treatment?


	Yes

Do you have a mild toothache that has not gotten better after 48 hours of home treatment?


	Yes

Have you had a toothache off and on for 2 weeks or longer?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.


	Yes

Do you have diabetes?


	Yes

Do you have a disease or take a medicine that causes problems with your immune system?


	Yes

Do you have a toothache and know or think you may have a fever?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.


	Yes

Do you have diabetes and a red, swollen, painful bump on your gum next to a sore tooth?


	Yes

Do you have a disease or take a medicine that causes problems with your immune system and a red, swollen, painful bump on your gum next to a sore tooth?


	Yes

Do you have a red, swollen, painful bump on your gum next to a sore tooth?


	Yes

Do you have new bleeding of the gums and you are taking medicine that thins your blood, such as aspirin, enoxaparin (such as Lovenox), heparin, or warfarin (such as Coumadin)?


	Yes

Do you have new bleeding of the gums and you have a known bleeding disorder, such as hemophilia or idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)?


	Yes

Do you have swollen gums that bleed easily despite 2 weeks of home treatment?


	Yes

Do you have sore or swollen gums despite 2 weeks of home treatment?


	Yes

Do you have irritation of the gums from poorly fitting dentures or a dental appliance?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.


	Yes

Do you have moderate to severe sensitivity in a tooth when you eat or drink a hot or cold food or beverage?


	Yes

Do you have moderate to severe sensitivity in a tooth when you eat or drink sweet, sour, or acidic foods or liquids?


	Yes

Have you had a mildly sensitive tooth for 72 hours or longer after using home treatment?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.


	Yes

Do you think a medicine may be the cause of your gum or tooth problem?Note: Call the doctor who prescribed the medicine to determine whether you should stop taking the medicine or take a different one. An appointment may not be necessary.If you are taking a nonprescription medicine, stop taking the medicine. Call your doctor if you feel you need to continue taking the medicine.

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.


	Yes

Are your dentures or dental appliance causing discomfort?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Other Symptoms to Watch For

If you have the following, evaluate those symptoms first.

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: September 26, 2008

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.