A throbbing ache, or pain that lingers after something hot or cold, usually means decay or infection has reached the nerve. Pain that wakes you at night is worth ringing about first thing in the morning.

A small chip might only need smoothing over. A cracked tooth can get worse quickly if it's left alone, so it's better seen while the repair is still a simple one.

Time matters with this one. Hold the tooth by the crown rather than the root, keep it in milk or saliva, and call us straight away. The sooner it goes back in, the better the chance of saving it.

Swelling around a tooth, the jaw or the cheek usually points to an infection, and infections don't clear up on their own. This is one to be seen for promptly rather than left over a weekend.

Once a restoration comes out, the tooth underneath is exposed and often sensitive. Hang on to the crown if you still have it, because in many cases it can be cleaned up and refitted.

Bleeding from the gums, or from the socket after an extraction, should be checked if firm pressure on a clean gauze for twenty minutes hasn't brought it under control.

Pain, pressure or swelling at the back of the jaw from a wisdom tooth pushing through. Much easier to manage before it turns into an infection, so it's worth having assessed early.

Something wedged between teeth that floss won't shift, or a knock to the mouth playing sport. Worth a look even if it feels alright, since cracks and loosened teeth aren't always obvious straight away.