Dental emergency on the French Riviera: what to do
Toothache rarely waits for a convenient moment. If it happens while you are in Antibes or elsewhere on the Côte d’Azur, here is how the system works.
Who to call first
During opening hours, call a dental practice directly. Most keep slots free for emergencies. Explain briefly what happened and since when — that is what decides how quickly you are seen.
Evenings, Sundays and public holidays, dental practices in the Alpes-Maritimes operate an on-call rota (garde) organised by the regional dental council. Call 15 (SAMU): the operator will tell you which dentist is on duty and where. This number works everywhere in France, at any hour, and is free.
Call 15 immediately if there is significant facial swelling, difficulty swallowing or breathing, a high fever, or an injury following a fall or accident. Swelling that spreads is not something to sleep on.
While you wait
A few things genuinely help:
- Broken or chipped tooth — rinse your mouth with lukewarm water and keep any fragment in milk or saline.
- Knocked-out adult tooth — hold it by the crown, never the root. If you can, put it back in place; otherwise keep it in milk and get seen within the hour. Time matters more than anything else here.
- Lost crown or filling — keep the piece and bring it. Avoid chewing on that side.
- Pain — the painkiller you normally take is usually appropriate. Avoid putting aspirin directly against the gum: it burns the tissue.
What to bring
- Photo ID and your EHIC, GHIC or insurance details.
- A list of any medication you take, especially blood thinners.
- The name of your usual dentist, if you have one, and any recent X-rays.
If you don’t speak French
Explaining dental pain in a second language is unpleasant. Several practices on the Riviera work in English — ours sees patients in English, German and Polish as well as French. When you call, say which language you would prefer.
Practical information, not medical advice. In case of severe swelling, fever or difficulty breathing, call 15 without delay.