Coronavirus (COVID-19)

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Responsible for your dental emergencies we, at 24h Emergency Dentist, remain open at the current time until further instructions by the Government in relation to the widespread coronavirus (COVID-19).

If you experience any (or both) of the below symptoms, please follow the official advice by the NHS and self-isolate for a period of 7 days, until the contagious stage has passed. The known symptoms of coronavirus are:

high temperature;
new, continuous cough.

If you have underlying health conditions, cannot manage the symptoms on your own, or experience worsening of the symptoms within the first 7 days or no improvement after that, please call 111 for advice.

Self-isolation in case of possible coronavirus

If you have the typical symptoms for coronavirus and need to self-isolate, please follow the official advice.

Please do:

try to keep at least 2 metres (3 steps) from other people in your home, particularly older people or those with long-term health conditions
ask friends and family and delivery services to deliver things like food shopping and medicines – but avoid contact with them
sleep alone if possible
regularly wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds
try to stay away from older people and those with long-term health conditions
drink plenty of water and take everyday painkillers, such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, to help with your symptoms

Please don’t:

do not have visitors (ask people to leave deliveries outside)
do not leave the house, for example to go for a walk, to school or public places

To avoid infection with coronavirus

wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
always wash your hands when you get home or into work
use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards
try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell

Use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service if:

You feel you cannot cope with your symptoms at home.
Your condition gets worse.
Your symptoms do not get better after 7 days.

NHS COVID-19 ONLINE SERVICE

If you’re self-isolating, but you have dental pain, please see below for some detailed advice. Address the pain with the suggested methods until you can see a dentist.
As per the government regulations, our clinics are now closed until further notice, and we cannot see patients. If you have a dental emergency, please contact 111.

A dental emergency is when:

You have facial swelling;
You have suffered a trauma and are bleeding from a broken or knocked-out tooth;
Swelling causes problems with breathing and swallowing.

If you are not experiencing any of the above issues, we recommend that you stay at home and manage the pain until it is safe to see a dentist.

Managing tooth pain (toothache) while in self-isolation

The most probable cause for a toothache is an underlying infection. Treating the infection will ease the pain and allow you to self-isolate and see a dentist when it is safe. Here are the steps you should take to reduce dental discomfort.

Anti-inflammatory medication

Anti-inflammatory medication will help relieve the pain and reduce the sensitivity. Due to a suspicion that ibuprofen may cause complications with the COVID-19 coronavirus, we advise you to use paracetamol unless your doctor has recommended otherwise. It is essential to follow the prescribed dosage and contact your doctor if other symptoms occur. Continue taking anti-inflammatory medication for 5 to 7 days even if the pain stops shortly after taking the pills. Alternatively, the infection, along with the pain, will return.

Desensitising toothpaste and mouthwash

It is particularly important to ensure your teeth stay healthy, especially when experiencing toothache during self-isolating due to COVID-19. Any plaque build-up or additional food bacteria may make the pain worse, even if it feels like an improvement shortly after eating. Brush your teeth regularly with a desensitising toothpaste of your choice and use desensitising mouthwash.

A cold compress and keeping the head elevated

“Starving” the infection from blood circulation will help stop the pain and reduce the risk of complication. Apply a cold compress on the outside of your mouth and try to keep your head elevated (an additional pillow can help during the night).

Rinse your mouth with saltwater

The acidic environment created by saltwater helps reduce bacteria in the mouth and prevents the infection from further development. It is exceptionally efficient when combined with anti-inflammatory medication.

Anaesthetic gel

Orajel, Bonjela or Anbesol are brands of anaesthetic gel which can help reduce sensitivity and pain when applied topically. Please ensure you read the description carefully before using the gel and strictly follow the recommended dosage.

Clove oil

Clove oil helps relieve pain when applied to an exposed nerve of the tooth. Apply it gently with a cotton bud every couple of hours and try not to swallow or remove it immediately after application.

Reducing mouth ulcers pain during coronavirus self-isolation

Mouth ulcers can be painful and unpleasant, and they can also be a sign of an underlying health condition. If you’re suffering from mouth ulcers, make sure to track their state and consult with your doctors if they haven’t disappeared in two weeks.

When not caused by a more complex medical condition, mouth ulcers go away on their own. To soothe the pain, you can use anaesthetic gel (Bonjela, Anbesol, or Orajel).

Managing pain caused by a broken tooth during self-isolation

If you have broken a tooth or a filling, but the breakage hasn't caused severe dental trauma, you should delay visiting your dentist until the COVID-19 lockdown has been eased accordingly by the government. Meanwhile, follow the below advice to reduce the pain and discomfort.

Use dental wax to cover the sharp edges

Sharp edges can scratch your tongue or the soft tissue on the inside of the mouth and cause significant discomfort and pain. To avoid this, apply dental wax to smooth the rough edges of the broken tooth.

Use desensitising toothpaste

Desensitising toothpaste will reduce the sensitivity of the soft tissue on the inside of the mouth and therefore reduce the discomfort you’re experiencing.

Use an anaesthetic gel

If you have scratched your tongue or hurt your gums, use anaesthetic gel to soothe the pain. Some of the options are Orajel, Bonjela or Anbeso.

Managing pain in gums during COVID-19 self-isolation

If there isn’t a problem with a specific tooth, but you are still experiencing pain, the issue may be a gum infection. To reduce the chance of complications, follow the below advice.

Brush your teeth thoroughly

Gum infection is caused by bacteria collected around the teeth and plaque built-up. To reduce the pain, you must first attempt to remove as much as possible from the plaque by thoroughly brushing your teeth, using dental floss and te-pe dental brushes.

Rinse with salt water a few times a day

Balancing the acidic environment in the mouth will help prevent the development of the infection and reduce the discomfort.

Use Corsodyl mouthwash at least twice per day

Corsodyl mouthwash has an antiseptic effect and is recommended for the use of people with various gum disease. If you are concerned about staining your teeth, you can apply the mouthwash to the gums using a cotton bud.

Use an anaesthetic gel for quick pain relief

If you need an instant pain-relief, use an anaesthetic gel applied to the gums. Some of the options are Orajel, Bonjela or Anbeso.

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