
The highest rated emergency dentist
Over 500+ 5 star reviews
The highest rated emergency dentist
Over 500+ 5 star reviews
EMERGENCY HOTLINE
020 8748 9365Responsible 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:
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.
If you have the typical symptoms for coronavirus and need to self-isolate, please follow the official advice.
Please do:
Please don’t:
You feel you cannot cope with your symptoms at home.
Your condition gets worse.
Your symptoms do not get better after 7 days.
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:
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.
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 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.
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.
“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).
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.
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 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.
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).
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.
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.
Desensitising toothpaste will reduce the sensitivity of the soft tissue on the inside of the mouth and therefore reduce the discomfort you’re experiencing.
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.
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.