Toothache in Cornwall? Here’s who to call for urgent help

A cracked tooth or a jaw that will not stop throbbing rarely waits for office hours. If you do not have your own dentist in Cornwall, or you have been removed from a practice list altogether, there is still a number to ring before you reach for the nearest accident and emergency department.

Who the service is for

NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly is reminding people that the county runs an emergency dental service for anyone who needs urgent treatment and does not have an NHS dentist to call. That includes people who have never managed to get on a practice’s books, and people who have been removed from one.

How to get help right now

If you already have a dentist, the advice is to call them first, even outside a routine appointment. Practices can often give advice over the phone or fit in an urgent case.

If you do not have a dentist, Cornwall’s emergency dental service, Smile Together, can be reached on 0333 405 0290, Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm.

Outside office hours

Once Smile Together’s lines close for the day, the advice changes. Call NHS 111, or go online at 111.nhs.uk, for advice and support.

Living near the Devon border?

Anyone closer to the Devon side of the county may find it easier to go through Devon Urgent Dental Care instead. The route is the same NHS 111 number, selecting option 4 when prompted.

NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly says more detail on its plans to improve access to dental services across Cornwall is available on its website, as the health board continues work on the wider problem of finding an NHS dentist in the county.

📷Young man in glasses suffering from severe toothache and jaw pain at home; concept for dental emergency, sensitive teeth, cavity, oral health, and need for professional dental care.