The words to use
- Red flags
- Signs that a dental problem needs A&E or 999, such as swelling that makes it hard to breathe, speak, swallow or open the mouth.
- Avulsion
- A tooth knocked completely out. An adult tooth should be put back or kept in milk or saliva, then seen as soon as possible. Baby teeth are not put back.
- Triage
- Sorting patients by clinical need so the most urgent are seen first. In dentistry it often starts on the phone.
- Safety net
- The plan for anyone you delay: advice now, a time, and clear instructions on what to do if it gets worse.
