Dental pain and gum concerns
Text-based guidance may help while you arrange dental care. It cannot repair a damaged tooth or replace a dental examination.
Common symptoms
- Tooth pain
- Gum swelling
- Bleeding or a damaged tooth
A useful care conversation
Describe the painful area, duration, swelling, bleeding and any broken tooth or recent procedure. A clinician can help identify the level of care needed and discuss temporary symptom support. A photo may show the area, but treatment of the dental cause belongs with a dentist.
When to seek more care
- Get prompt dental care for significant pain, swelling, pus, a broken tooth or persistent bleeding.
- Seek emergency help for swelling that affects breathing or swallowing.
General educational information, not a diagnosis or a complete symptom checker. The right care depends on your circumstances.
For an emergency, call 911. Do not wait for a Tap reply or send a photo first.
About this information
Adapted from Tap’s published care-topic library. Original publication: 2025-01-01. Prepared for this guide: 2026-09-07. Preparation is not a clinical-review certification.
The clinician decides whether advice, testing, an examination or a prescription is appropriate. A listed topic does not guarantee remote treatment or a refill. Tap does not prescribe controlled substances.