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SELF-HELP: ADVICE FOR DENTAL PROBLEMS

We've compiled some self-help tips for dental problems that we hope will help you manage or improve your condition until such a time you are able to see a dentist at the practice.

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Click on the buttons below to see the self-help guidance:

MILD TO MODERATE TOOTHACHE

  • Take whatever painkillers you would normally take for a headache

  • Maintain good oral hygiene and limit sugar intakes to mealtimes only to prevent the tooth decaying or decay getting worse

Mild to Moderate Toothache

BLEEDING AFTER EXTRACTION

  • Sit still and bite firmly on a clean handkerchief for 30 minutes. If the bleeding doesn't stop, contact us.

Bleeding after extraction

BLEEDING GUMS

  • This is a sign of gum disease which is caused by not brushing properly

  • Brush your teeth twice per day and angle the tooth brush so it touches your gum line, ignore the bleeding, use gentle pressure and also try to use dental floss or interdental brushes to clean between your teeth

Bleeding Gums

DENTURES BROKEN/RUBBING/FEELING LOOSE

  • Try using fixative such as Fixodent or a Seabond denture pad if you have a full denture

  • Leave your denture out as much as possible

  • Any sharp or rough bits can be adjusted slightly using a nail file

  • Use warm salty water mouthwashes to ease any ulcers

  • If your denture is broken, please call the surgery to arrange a repair

Dentures rubbing or feeling loose

LOST CROWN

  • Purchase an emergency dental kit and try and re-cement the crown if possible

  • Keep the tooth as clean as possible until the next time you can get in to see your dentist

Lost Crown

PAIN AFTER AN EXTRACTION

  • Pain is to be expected, take whatever painkillers you would normally take for a headache

  • Rinse with warm salty water mouthwashes at least twice a day

  • If the pain is getting worse or there is no improvement after four days, call us

Pain after an extraction

SENSITIVITY

  • Use sensitive toothpaste and spit, don't rinse after using

  • Take whatever painkillers you would usually take for a headache

  • Maintain good oral hygiene and limit sugar intake to mealtimes only

  • Try and reduce acid consumption, avoid fizzy drinks, energy drinks, fruit juices

Sensitivity

BROKEN TOOTH/LOST FILLING

  • Purchase an emergency dental kit and try and patch the tooth up

  • Take whatever painkillers you would normally take for a headache

  • Maintain good oral hygiene and limit sugar intake to mealtimes only to try and prevent the tooth decaying or decay getting worse

  • File the sharp edge with a clean nail file

Broken Tooth/lost filling

PAINKILLER ADVICE

  • Paracetamol or ibuprofen are the best painkillers to take for dental pain

  • There has been some research that ibuprofen can make coronavirus worse, so if you think you have been exposed, avoid taking it

  • Don't take any painkillers that you are knowingly allergic to

  • Do not place a painkiller in your mouth against the soft tissues. This can cause soft tissue damage. The best way to administer pain relief is to swallow your chosen painkiller with a sip of water.

Painkiller advice
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