Self Help Advice

ADVICE

Self Help

Mild / Moderate Toothache

- Take whatever painkillers you would normally take for a headache.
- Maintain good oral hygiene and limit sugar intakes to mealtimes only to try and prevent the tooth

Pain After 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/day.
-If pain is getting worse or there is no improvement after 4 days then phone us

Bleeding After Extraction

-Sit still and bite firmly on a clean handkerchief for 30 mins. If the bleeding doesn’t stop then phone us back.

Sensitivity

-Use sensitive toothpaste and spit not rinse after using.
-Take whatever painkillers you would normally take for a headache.
-Maintain good oral hygiene and limit sugar intakes to mealtimes only.
-Try and reduce acid consumption, avoid fizzy drinks, energy drinks, fruit juice etc.

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 toothbrush so it touches your gum line, ignore the bleeding, use gentle pressure and also try to use floss or interdental brushes to clean between your teeth.

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 intakes to mealtimes only to try and prevent the tooth decaying or decay getting worse.

Dentures Rubbing or 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.

Lost Crown

- Purchase an emergency dental kit and try and re-cement the crown if possible.
- Keep the tooth as clean as possible and limit sugar intakes to try and prevent the tooth underneath the crown decaying.

PAIN KILLER ADVICE

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

-there has been some research that ibuprofen can make Corona virus worse so if you think you may have been exposed then don’t take it.

-don’t take painkillers that you are allergic to or have been advised not to take.

-ask your pharmacist for advice if you are unsure.

Professional Dental Care

At BHDP we aim to instruct our patients of all ages how to look after their teeth and prevent decay and tooth loss. We routinely apply topical fluoride and fissure sealants to high needs patients. All members of staff receive training to ensure compliance with "delivering better oral health - an evidence-based toolkit for prevention" published by Public Health England.