Toothache while travelling in Vietnam: what to do

Last updated 6 November 2026 · By the Dentist in Hanoi editorial team

In short: most dental problems on a trip are painful but not dangerous, and can be handled at a normal dental clinic within a day or two. Go to a hospital emergency department straight away if you have spreading facial swelling, fever, difficulty swallowing or breathing, heavy bleeding, or a jaw or face injury. In Hanoi, see Emergency dentist in Hanoi for where to go.

Step 1: is it urgent?

Go to a hospital emergency department or call 115 if you have:

  • swelling of the face, jaw or neck that is spreading, or swelling under the tongue;
  • fever with tooth pain or swelling;
  • difficulty swallowing, breathing or opening your mouth;
  • bleeding that doesn't stop after 20 minutes of firm pressure;
  • an injury to the face or jaw, or a head injury.

See a dentist as soon as possible (same or next day) for: severe toothache, a knocked-out adult tooth (within the hour if you can), a broken tooth with pain, or a swollen gum.

Can usually wait a few days: a lost filling or crown without pain, a small chip, mild sensitivity.

Step 2: what you can do now

  • Rinse with warm salt water.
  • Use a pain reliever you know and can safely take, following the instructions on the pack. Don't put tablets on the gum.
  • A cold compress on the cheek can help with swelling.
  • Lost crown: keep it, and don't glue it back with household glue.
  • Knocked-out adult tooth: hold it by the crown, rinse briefly if dirty, put it back in or keep it in milk, and go to a dentist immediately.

Step 3: find a dentist

  • In Hanoi: clinics open at weekends, English-speaking dentists, or by area near your hotel.
  • Call or message before you go to check they can see you today.
  • Ask your hotel to call for you if language is a problem.
  • If you have travel insurance, check whether they want you to call their assistance line first.

Step 4: keep your paperwork

Ask for an itemised invoice, a short treatment note and copies of X-rays, in English if possible. Your insurer will want the invoice; your dentist at home will want the rest.

Short on time? Ask for treatment that relieves the pain and is stable until you get home, rather than starting a large treatment you can't finish here.