Dental Advice from your Friendly Dental Team 😊

Under normal circumstances we would get you in for an appointment straight away to check all these problems for you. However due to the current situation we have come up with advice that will hopefully help you with any dental issues you have until we are able to treat you safely.

The health and safety of our staff and patients is of the utmost importance to us, if we don’t think it is absolutely necessary for you to come in, we will give you advice remotely.

Toothache

– Regular painkillers if you need then. We advise not to take Ibuprofen or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) at present as they are thought to worsen the effects of Coronavirus.

– Good Oral Hygiene – brushing regularly with a fluoride containing toothpaste (we highly recommend BioMin and can send some out to you if you want some). FLOSS or use your Interdental products such as Tepe interdental brushes or Wisdom Interspace brushes! Reducing your intake of sugary foods will help ensure any decays won’t worsen.

Bleeding Gums

– This is usually a result of gingivitis or gum disease. Gums will not stop bleeding until your oral hygiene improves. Brush your teeth and gums twice a day, paying particular attention to the areas that are bleeding.

– Keep using all your Oral Hygiene Products, from Tepe to Floss to Interspace brushes.

Ulcers

– Bonjela/Iglu/Oragel Place on the are that is painful before meals in particular.

– If your whole mouth ‘flares-up’ Difflam is a brilliant numbing spray or mouth rinse to help alleviate the pain. (check instructions for contra-indications. Can be bought from local pharmacist/online pharmacy)

– Maintain good oral hygiene

– Rinse with warm Saltwater rinse.

Sensitivity

– Teeth can be sensitive due to receding gums, large fillings or decay. Try placing some sensitive toothpaste on the affected area – we can recommend BioMin, Duraphat (if it has been prescribed to you), Sensodyne. Leave it on the affected area overnight. Do not rinse it or brush it off.

– Use regular painkillers if you need them. We advise not to take Ibuprofen or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) at present as they are thought to worsen the effects of Coronavirus.

– Maintain good oral hygiene and limit sugar in your diet to prevent any decay from getting worse.

Lost crown/veneer/bridge

– ‘Toofypegs’ can be used to ‘restick’ lost crowns, veneers and bridges at home.

– Good oral hygiene and a low sugar diet to prevent any decay from occurring in the tooth underneath.

Lost Filling/Broken/Fractured tooth

– Emergency dental kits can be bought at the pharmacy/online so you can patch up the tooth at home until we can offer you a safe appointment.

– Once again, 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 unusual/painful swelling please call 02392 596 444 and contact the emergency number on our answerphone.

Dentures rubbing or loose

– Consider using fixative for loose dentures eg. fixadent

– Seabond denture pads may also make a denture more comfortable or stable.

– Any rough bits can be smoothed at home with an emery board.

– Leave your denture out if it is too sore to wear.

Bleeding/pain after extraction

– Bleeding tends to respond well to pressure. Bite on a clean bite pack (provided by the practice) or clean handkerchief firmly for 30 minutes.

– Pink saliva and a small amount of blood is normal (just as if you have grazed your knees)

– Pain after extraction is sometimes worse 3 days after extraction. Take regular painkillers. We advise not to take Ibuprofen or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) at present as they are thought to worsen the effects of Coronavirus.

– After the first 48 hours you may gently rinse with salt-water (a teaspoon of salt in a medium glass of water) after meals.

– If pain/bleeding persists please call 02392 596 444 and contact the emergency number on our answerphone.

If you would just like some advice please email Reception@southlanedental.co.uk and we will be more than happy to respond to you.

Please all keep safe, stay at home and we will be very happy to see you when we can safely open our premises.

The Management Team @ South Lane Dental