Dental Emergencies.

There’s a lot of conditions that don’t require urgent attention. Here’s a list of common problems we see and what you can do to help.

Toothache
Regular painkillers 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.

Bleeding after extractions
Apply pressure to the socket. Bite on a clean handkerchief or cloth – not tissue paper, for 30 minutes. If this doesn’t work call the practice.
Pink saliva and a little bit of oozing from the socket is normal. Avoid hot drinks and alcohol. Don’t rinse your mouth for 24 hours.

Bleeding gums
These will improve if can clean your teeth and gums effectively. Brush for 2 minutes especially at the gum line and don’t forget to clean between the teeth with floss or interdental brushes. Corsodyl (chlorhexidine) mouthwash may help but prolonged use can cause staining.

Dentures rubbing or loose
Use of a denture adhesive, like Fixodent or Polygrip may help. Seabond denture pads may make the denture more comfortable and stable. If there is a sharp edge an emery board can be used to smooth down.

Lost crown or veneer
Temporary dental cements can be found at supermarkets and pharmacies, like Toofypegs. They can be used to restick lost crowns or veneers at home. Good oral hygiene will help stop the tooth becoming decayed

Ulcers
Bonjela on the area that is painful before meals in particular.
Take painkillers if necessary
Rinse with saltwater to prevent infection
Use difflam mouthwash which you can get from the pharmacist.

Sensitive teeth
Teeth can be sensitive to hot and cold foods/drinks due to receding gums, large fillings or decay. Toothpaste for sensitive teeth can help apply to the teeth and leave overnight after brushing. Avoid sugary and acidic foods and drinks which may make things worse. The most effective toothpastes to use are either Colgate ProRelief, or Sensodyne Rapid Relief

Lost filling/broken tooth
Emergency dental kits can be bought at the pharmacists to patch up tooth at home. Take painkillers if required. Again good oral hygiene and low sugar intake will help.