The NHS has issued an alert for anyone across the UK who might need 'urgent treatment' over the festive period. During the final weeks of 2025, many Brits are likely to face disruptions to various services, including healthcare.

This poses a significant problem for those requiring urgent or emergency care throughout the winter break that cannot be handled at A&E. Dental treatment is one such example, which can only be assessed by a qualified dentist at a dental surgery—many of which may be shut or operating with reduced hours leading up to New Year.

However, if you need urgent dental care, there are several options available to secure the help you require, even if you're not currently registered with a dental practice. The NHS has emphasised that services remain accessible for those in need during the festive season.

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In a post on X, NHS UK stated: "If you need urgent dental treatment over Christmas or New Year, contact your usual dentist.If you cannot contact your dentist, use NHS 111 via the NHS App, online or call 111 for information about your local out-of-hours service."

People may require urgent treatment for a variety of dental health issues. This can include:

• Severe pain in the mouth


• Significant swelling


• Bleeding that doesn't stop


• Knocked out or broken teeth


• Infections


• Abscesses


• Broken fillings, crowns, dentures, bridges, or veneers

Even if you're not registered with a dentist, you can still access an emergency appointment via the NHS. By either dialling 111 or reaching out to 111 online, you can be offered urgent dental treatment; however, the speed at which you receive this treatment will depend on your individual situation.

NHS guidance states: "You should be offered urgent dental treatment within 24 hours or 7 days, depending on your symptoms. If you've knocked out an adult tooth, you should be offered emergency dental care within 1 hour, or as soon as possible."

If you're in significant pain while waiting for an appointment, you can seek additional help from your local pharmacy. Typically, they can provide advice on painkillers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen which can help manage pain symptoms.

Pharmacists can also offer advice on how to handle a wide range of common mouth and teeth symptoms such as bleeding and mouth ulcers.