Do I go to doctor or dentist for this?

[6gallonsaday]

Over the past week I've developed a pain in my neck, left hand side (your right if looking at me). Not as high as my jaw, does seem to be a lump there if I press (then it hurts more). Could be a lymph node, or tooth. Though i don't have any actual tooth pain. Seems to be getting worse.

Would you go to doctor or dentist for this? I can turn up to either, first thing on Monday morning, and get an emergency appointment. But not both, i.e. if I go to the dentist and they tell me it's not my teeth ill probably lose the chance to get a doctor's appointment and vice versa. I could try the other on Tuesday. We're then supposed to go on holiday overseas for 7 days on Wednesday so I'm a bit nervous about that.

Get GP appt arranged first.
Then ring dentist. Take which ever appt is soonest.
You might have a blocked saliva gland. Dentist can advise and sort out a hospital referral.

Go to the GP. Don't mention teeth, if you do they'll turn you away without even examining you. Just say throat/neck. Then if they can't find anything or they say it's teeth, then go to dentist.

Thank you

You could call 111 or use their online service for advice. They have dental services too. Unfortunately, I think you have to pick one service or the other but you could do both, if necessary.

If I had to choose, I would probably go to the dentist first. If it is a dental infection causing a swollen lymph node, you will probably need antibiotics and dental treatment. It’s only going to get worse, you need it dealt with before you travel.

If it isn’t, it’s a lot easier to get OOH treatment for medical issues via 111 if you can’t get a GP appointment.

2 votes for Doctor, 2 for dentist then, its a tie! I understand the reasoning.

I don't tend to find 111 useful for much, though appreciate others may have had different experiences.

111 may be able to get you an emergency dental appointment today if you say you think you might have a dental infection. A dental infection is more urgent than most of the possible medical differential diagnoses.

I can't go today anyway, just about to go into cinema with kids.

The pain hasn't changed in the course of today. Exactly as described above, no worse.