Help with toothache at home

Wishing all of our patients a happy Easter!

The practice phone advice service will be closed from Thursday 9th April at 4:30pm and re open on Tuesday 14th April at 8:30am.
If you have an emergency during this time all relevant information can be found on our answerphone by calling 01872 241955.
Below are some helpful tips and advice on what to do if you experience any tooth problems over this time but please be assured that there will be help and advice available through the NHS out of hours service over this bank holiday weekend.

Painkillers – ibuprofen and paracetamol offer toothache relief, helping to calm symptoms and alleviate pain. Both of these medicines work to relieve mild to moderate pain, while ibuprofen also eases inflammation and swelling. Painkillers should always be taken in accordance with the instructions.

Toothache – Along with pain killers using sensitive toothpaste such as sensodyne repair and protect can help with toothache that is sensitive to hot and cold, smear the toothpaste onto the affected area and leave without rinsing. Keep the area as clean as possible along with reducing sugar intake.

Lost filling/broken tooth – If you’ve lost a filling or broken a tooth you can buy a temporary filling kit from your local pharmacy or online. Keep the area as clean as possible using your toothbrush and interdental Tepe brushes/floss.
Placing this in the cavity can prevent food getting trapped in the area; it can also be placed over any sharp sides to help reduce discomfort. Try and stick to a soft diet to prevent further trauma from biting.

Bleeding Gums – Bleeding gums can seem alarming but it is not a dental emergency, it is usually due to gum disease and will reduce as brushing and oral hygiene improves. Be sure to brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, including your gum line, for 2 minutes each time. Use Floss or Tepe brushes to clean between your teeth every day.

Ulcers– Using saltwater can help reduce ulcers by cleansing the area, it can also help loosen food particles and debris that may be stuck in between your teeth. Combine a cup of boiled water with a teaspoon of salt. Once the water is cool enough simply rinse the water solution around your mouth for at least 30 seconds being careful not to swallow the water.
Most ulcers will heal within 7-10 days however any ulcers that are not healing and a present for more than 3 weeks should be assets by a dentist or doctor. 


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