In the current pandemic, it might be more difficult than usual to get a dental appointment – especially during the lockdown. Many dentist Porthmadog are only prioritising urgent treatments, but if your toothache is severe then it is best to explain this. The following guidance is to help you manage toothache at home until you can get everything looked at by a professional. But first, check if you have any of the following symptoms alongside your toothache. These could indicate there is a more severe issue, and you should contact your dentist right away:
- Swelling in your face, extending to your eye or neck, or to the floor of your mouth
- Bleeding after a tooth extraction which hasn’t stopped after 20 minutes of applied pressure with a gauze
- Bleeding from the mouth/tooth due to trauma
- A severely broken tooth
- A fallen out tooth which is painful
- Toothache so severe that it is preventing you from sleeping, eating and combined with swelling or fever which you can’t minimise with painkillers
If you have any of these symptoms, arrange an emergency appointment with your dentist. Leaving the issues to develop could lead to more serious issues later on down the line.
If you are certain that your toothache is stemming from any of the following issues, this would be classed as non-urgent and you may need to wait for a normal appointment, or until your dentist reopens for non-emergencies.
- A loose or lost crown, veneer or bridge
- Broken dentures, or dentures which are rubbing or loose
- Bleeding gums
- Loose, broken, or fallen out fillings
- A chip in your tooth which isn’t painful
- Loose orthodontic wires
Pain management – To help minimise the pain from your toothache, consider taking some over-the-counter painkilling medication. If you are confirmed with COVID-19 or believe you are suffering from the coronavirus, then it has been advised that you choose paracetamol over ibuprofen. Take these painkillers in accordance with the instructions on the packet.
Sensitivity – If your toothache is stemming from a tooth which is very sensitive to hot and cold, then using sensitive toothpaste can help. Instead of just brushing with this, rub the toothpaste directly onto the affected area and do not rinse. You could also try using an anaesthetic gel to help ease the pain.
Ulcers – If your toothache is coming from a mouth ulcer, these will usually heal within 7-10 days. To help minimise the pain and promote healing, rinse your mouth with warm, salty water, eat soft foods, and take painkillers. If the ulcer is from a rubbing denture, denture adhesives such as Fixodent could help to secure a loose-fitting. File down sharp edges with an emery board.
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