COVID-19 Update 30/03/2020

Everyone is now aware of the far-reaching effects of COVID-19.

It is with great sadness that following the strict guidance from our governing bodies we at Strand Dental have taken the difficult but essential decision to cease ALL routine care for the foreseeable future.

The practice is still running a skeleton staff to offer advice over the phone.

Please do not visit the practice unless instructed to do so by a staff member. We understand that local centres are being set up as we speak  to treat severe dental emergencies but to date we have no further information from our governing bodies. As soon as we have more information we will let you know.

Thank you from everyone at Strand dental for your help and support at this difficult time . We  hope you all stay safe and well.

Managing a Toothache during self-isolation

If you have symptoms of COVID-19 and have toothache you will need to call NHS 111 for advice where you can receive treatment at a specialist clinic.

Tooth pain

To help manage toothache until you can visit us, or we can see you, there are a few things that may help reduce the pain

If there is a cavity in the tooth, it may be fine to leave, and keep clean. If it is bothering, you then a temporary filling material can be packed into this space. These temporary filling kits are widely available from supermarkets or pharmacies.

Anti-inflammatory tablets (NSAIDs) can reduce the sensitivity. A combination of ibuprofen and paracetamol has been found to be beneficial if you can take them both - however, there are some reports that Ibuprofen may increase the symptoms of COVID-19 so Paracetamol alone is probably best if you have symptoms. Make sure you don't exceed the recommended dosage!

o   This is 2 x 500mg tablets, every four hours up to 8 tablets maximum. You should not exceed 8 x 500mg Paracetamol tablets in 24 hours.

Desensitising toothpaste ​such as Sensodyne repair and protect or Colgate sensitive pro relief can help. It is normal response for you to feel brief sensitivity with very cold drinks/food.

Lying down flat at night can increase the toothache. Therefore, we recommend sitting up with pillows.

Avoidance of temperature extremes, a soft diet and chewing on the other side will help.

If there is an infection - a swelling next to the tooth or pus discharging.

Rinse your mouth with warm salty mouthwash to try and draw out the infection into your mouth. Dissolve a teaspoon of salt into a mug of warm water and rinse around your mouth/ hold it in your mouth next to the infected area. Repeat several times until the pain subsides, particularly after eating.

Pain from gums

If there is bacteria or food debris trapped between the gum and the tooth, this can cause pain.

o   Thoroughly clean the area with floss or an interdental brush​. You could put Corsodyl gel onto the brush to help clean the area

o   Rinse thoroughly with Corsodyl mouthwash can help (but Corsodyl will stain your teeth so please follow the instructions on the bottle carefully, the staining can be removed by your hygienist)

Pain from ulcers

Mouth ulcers can be a sign of underlying medical conditions such as iron deficiency so shouldn't be ignored. Any mouth ulcer which doesn't heal in two weeks should be checked by a dentist.

To reduce the discomfort, you can try a topical anaesthetic gel such as Bonjela or Difflam (mouthwash or spray) Ulcers typically take 7-10 day to heal and can be very painful.

To help with healing of ulcers, Gengigel can be effective as well as soothing the pain. 

Broken teeth

If a tooth or filling has chipped or cracked, this can cause sensitivity from the tooth being exposed or pain to your tongue from sharp edges.

The sensitivity can be reduced by rubbing a de-sensitising toothpaste onto the tooth or placing a temporary filling material over the broken corner until a more definitive filling can be placed.