Advice for Dental Emergencies

TOOTHACHE

• Regular pain killers if you need them.
• Good oral hygiene with a fluoride toothpaste and reducing your intake of sugary foods will help.
• ensure any decay won’t get worse – using clove oil on a cotton wool roll left over the area for a few minutes can help calm the pain. As long as you are not allergic to it.

BLEEDING AFTER EXTRACTION

• Bleeding tends to respond well to pressure. Bite on a clean handkerchief firmly for 30 minutes. If this doesn’t work, call us.
• Pink saliva and a little bit of oozing is normal, just like if you have skimmed your knee or elbow.

BLEEDING GUMS

• This is usually the result of gingivitis or gum disease. Gums will not stop bleeding until your oral hygiene improves. Brush your teeth twice a day, spending extra time on the ones that bleed.
• Invest in some tepe brushes or floss to clean in between your teeth.
• REMEMBER IF IT’S BLEEDING – YOU NEED TO CLEAN IT MORE!

DENTURES RUBBING OR LOOSE

• Consider using a fixative such as Fixodent for loose dentures.
• Seabond denture pads may also make a denture more comfortable or stable.
• Any sharp or rough bits can be adjusted at home with an emery board.
• Leave your denture out it if it is too sore to wear and adjust your diet accordingly.

LOST CROWN/VENEER/POST CROWN

• “Toofypegs” can be used to re-stick lost veneers or crowns at home.
• Some chemists also have certain items that can assist.
• If all else fails try a small amount of sugar free chewing gum and try and re seat the crowns – this will not work on veneers.
• Good oral hygiene and a low sugar diet will help prevent the tooth underneath from getting decayed.

ULCERS

• “Bonjela” on the area that is painful before meals in particular and “Igloo” gel from the chemist can also help.
• Maintain good oral hygiene.
• Take regular pain killers if needed.
• Rinse with salt water to prevent infection.
• Use” difflam” mouthwash to help with pain which can be bought from a pharmacy.

PAIN AFTER EXTRACTION

• Regular painkillers, it is normal for pain to be at its worst for 3-4 days after the extraction.
• Rinse gently with saltwater (a teaspoon in a medium glass of warm water) after meals
• If pain is getting worse after a week, call us back.

SENSITIVITY

• Teeth can be sensitive due to receding gums, large fillings or decay.
• Try placing a sensitive toothpaste on the sensitive areas and leave it overnight.
• Use regular painkillers if you need them.
• Maintain good oral hygiene and limit sugar in your diet to prevent any decay from getting worse.

LOST FILLING/ BROKEN/ FRACTURED TEETH

• An emergency dental kit can be bought to patch up the tooth at home.
• Take regular painkillers if you need them.
• Maintain good oral hygiene and a low sugar diet to prevent any decay from occurring or existing decay from getting worse.

SWELLING

• If you have an abscess, you can try to drain it yourself at home. For example if it is visible on the gum, gently massage with a clean finger applying gentle pressure.
• Take painkillers as needed.
• Use hot salt water mouthwash if it is draining.
• If the swelling spreads to the outside of the face where it is visually noticeable, please call us.

REGULAR PAINKILLERS

• Please speak to your local pharmacy who will be able to advise you based on your medical condition and available stock.

For further information on dealing with dental emergencies at home please see our Dental Homecare Guide.

Please note: this is a large PDF file (30 MB).

PLEASE VISIT THE GOVERNMENT’S LATEST COVID-19 INFORMATION