We do our best to see you as soon as possible if you have a dental problem. However, if we can't see you straight away, here are some tips to help. If it's afterhours, call us and listen to our voice message which gives you information about emergencies.
Important Note About Swelling: Facial swelling can indicate a serious infection that may require IV antibiotics. Please present to the emergency department at your local hospital if your face is swollen.
Dental Trauma
If you have an accident injuring your face or teeth, visit your local A & E for assessment.
If a tooth is knocked out completely, make sure to keep it wet (in saliva, water or milk) and take it to the hospital/dentist with you. Don't scrub it clean.
Toothache
Oil of cloves (available at pharmacies and some supermarkets) can be used with a cotton bud and apply directly to the tooth causing symptoms. Additionally, this could be flossed in.
Manage pain with pain relief. If unsure whether you can take these, please do check with your doctor. Ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory which is good for dental pain. Additionally, it can be combined with paracetamol. If you cannot take ibuprofen, instead take paracetamol. Tip: take pain relief as prescribed and take as directed to stay on top of the pain.
Broken Teeth/Fillings
Smooth sharp cusps or sharp corners with a clean emery board (wooden nail file)
Use a sensitive toothpaste topically (with your finger) on the exposed part of the fractured tooth that is sensitive
Temporary filling material can be placed in the cavity such as ‘Dentafix’ (available at some pharmacies and online)
Gum Problems
Colgate Peroxyl mouthwash is what we would recommend as this does not cause reversible brown staining of your teeth. ‘Savacol’ is another option, BUT it will cause reversible brown staining after two weeks of use. Use as directed. Peroxyl is available from pharmacies
Warm salt water rinsing. To do this combine 1/2 tsp of salt and a cup of warm/hot tap water.
If it is a wisdom tooth with gum that is inflamed around it, you can try oil of cloves also
Sensitive Teeth
Avoid cold drinks and food
Always brush with a soft toothbrush
Try a toothpaste for sensitive teeth: Sensodyne Rapid Relief and Colgate Sensitive Pro Relief are both good products. You can apply these topically to a sensitive tooth like an ointment and apply as many times as you like, as well as brushing with it.
Jaw Pain
Try to relax - clenching and grinding (bruxism) can result in jaw pain, headaches and muscular pain.
If you have one, wear your nightguard/bite splint as directed
You can also use anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen, a warm heat pack on and off for 20mins and relaxation techniques such as meditation to improve your condition.