Travel dental guides
Toothache in Seoul: what to do in the first hour
A broken tooth or a swollen gum should not end your trip. A calm checklist, and when to call 119 instead.
Rinse with warm water, take a painkiller you normally use, and send a photo of the tooth to a dentist. Guardians Dental in Myeongdong keeps same-day slots for travellers during opening hours; WhatsApp or LINE gets the fastest reply. Call 119 if swelling spreads to your eye or neck, you struggle to breathe or swallow, or you have a high fever.
The first ten minutes
- Rinse gently with warm water to clear food from the area.
- Take a painkiller you already know and follow its label. Do not put aspirin directly on the gum: it can burn the tissue.
- Take a clear photo in good light, plus one of any broken piece.
- Message the clinic with the photo. We reply with the earliest time you can come in.
What to do, problem by problem
UrgentKnocked-out tooth. Hold it by the crown, not the root. Keep it in milk and come straight away: the first hour matters most.
TodaySwollen gum. Hold a cold compress on the outside of your cheek and send us a photo.
TodayThrobbing toothache. Avoid very hot or cold food and chew on the other side.
SoonChipped tooth. Keep any pieces. A same-day ceramic repair from our in-house lab is often possible.
SoonLost filling or crown. Bring the crown with you. Do not glue it back yourself.
When it is not a dental-chair problem
Flying with a toothache
Cabin pressure changes can make some toothaches worse, especially with an infection or a deep, unfinished filling. If you have a flight in the next few days, tell us when you message: we prioritise what makes the flight comfortable.
Getting to us quickly
We are on the 4th floor of the Sunshine Building, a two-minute walk from Myeongdong Station Exit 9 on Line 4. Most taxi drivers know Myeongdong Station; show them the address in Korean from our visit page.
Questions people ask
Can I see a dentist today in Seoul without an appointment?
Often, yes, during opening hours. Send a photo by WhatsApp or LINE and we tell you the earliest time.
Is a broken tooth an emergency?
Usually it is urgent rather than an emergency. A knocked-out tooth is the exception: come straight away and keep the tooth in milk.
What number do I call for a medical emergency in Korea?
119 for an ambulance. 1330 is the Korea Travel Helpline for interpretation and tourist help.
✓Clinically reviewed by Dr. Yunjung Lee, prosthodontist, Guardians Dental Myeongdong, on 15 October 2026. This article is general information for travellers and does not replace an in-person exam.
