MANAGING DENTAL PAIN DURING LOCKDOWN

During coronavirus lockdown unfortunately dentists  are unable or are limited to what treatment we can provide. Here is a brief list of things you can do to try and manage any dental discomfort or pain:

If you have the following symptoms please call the Australian Dental Association ( 08 82728111) or The Adelaide Dental Hospital (1300 008 222):

• Facial swelling 
• Facial trauma, OR
• Severe unrelenting pain or uncontrolled oral bleeding.

We hope this “circuit breaker” will be a short pause and we look forward to looking after your dental needs soon.

Tooth sensitivity/ ache

• Avoid very hot or very cold food and drinks
• Avoid food and drink high in sugar and acid
• You can take over the counter painkillers- ibuprofen, aspirin and /or paracetamol ( if not allergic). Ask your local chemist for advice.
• Applying anaesthetic gel or clove oil to the painful area may relive the pain.
• Ice cold might help relive constant tooth ache- apply ice or cold compress to the area
• For sensitivity- applying a small amount of  desensitising toothpaste (e.g. sensodyne) paste to the affected tooth
• Elevate your head with pillows as laying flat can make pain worse

Biting down pain

If your tooth only hurts when you bite down or chew, this could be avoided or reduced by:

• Eating with the other side of your mouth
• Eat a soft diet – ( avoid foods like nuts)
• Avoid chewy foods
• See above in toothache/sensitivity section

Wisdom tooth pain

Home remedies for wisdom tooth pain include:

• Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water
• Using a mouthwash designed for gum problems – see local chemist
• Over the counter pain medications – ibuprofen, paracetamol ( if not allergic)- ask your local chemist for advice.
• Ice cold might help with reducing any swelling around the area

Sore or bleeding gums

• Brushing your teeth at least twice a day, using a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste
• Flossing gently between your teeth
• Avoid sugary and acidic foods
• Don’t smoke

Facial swelling

Swelling (inflammation) is always a cause for concern. If you notice swelling in or around your mouth, you should contact your dentist for advice.

If the swelling is only minor or has started recently, antibiotics may be prescribed-  contact your medical doctor

• Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water
• Applying a cold compress, ice pack or packet of frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel over the swelling

Mouth ulcers

Mouth ulcers are fairly common and normally heal on their own within 14 days:

• Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water
• Using an antibacterial mouthwash
• Taking over-the-counter pain relief
• Using a mouth ulcer gels and pastes- ask your local chemist
• Apply clove oil to area

We hope that this will be of some help until we are able to look after you.

Wishing you all the best and look forward to seeing you soon!

The Parklands Dental Team