Dental Emergencies

Pain Relief at Home

Here are some simple home measures and remedies that can provide temporary relief until professional help can be sought.

• Toothache
  Over the counter painkillers are most effective if they are anti-inflammatory as most dental pain is caused by inflammation. Drugs containing Paracetamol and Ibuprofen are especially effective, but be careful not to exceed the dose limit for Paracetamol. If there is an open cavity visible, applying a drop of oil of cloves directly into the cavity can help. This is commonly available from pharmacies or health food stores.
• Lost fillings or crowns and broken teeth.
  Temporary dental filling material is available from pharmacies.
  Pinch off a small amount and roll into a ball. Try to dry the cavity with a tissue rolled into a point and then push the cement into the cavity and smooth off with your finger.
  This can also be used to recement crowns that have come off. Dry the crown and tooth with a tissue, place a small amount of material into the crown and push firmly back into place. Allow to set for 30 minutes and avoid heavy biting until you see the dentist.
• Trauma to the teeth.
  If the tooth is displaced forwards, backwards or sideways, try to reposition it immediately with your finger back to its original position. Do not bite on it and see your dentist as soon as possible.
  If the whole tooth has been knocked out, then handle the tooth only by the crown and do not touch the root. Rinse with cold milk or water if no milk is on hand. Do not scrape off any soft tissue on the root or try to scrub it. Replace into the socket and bite on a folded cloth to reposition it. Do not eat on it and choose a soft diet. You should arrange to see your dentist as soon as possible.
  Displaced deciduous (baby) teeth should be gently repositioned if it interferes with the bite. If not they can be left and may spontaneously reposition themselves. Baby teeth that are completely knocked out should not be replaced to avoid the risk of further trauma to the underlying adult tooth.
• Trauma to the soft tissues (eg. lips and tongue)
  This can occur due to external trauma or simply accidental biting. There might seem to be a lot of blood as the bleeding mixes with saliva to give the appearance of more blood than there is. Fortunately oral lesions do not often get infected as saliva provides excellent protection. Warm salt mouth rinses can help keep the wound clean. Anti-septic mouthwashes with Chlorhexidine are also very good. Bleeding can be stopped with a damp gauze/handkerchief and pressure. Avoid using a dry gauze as it will stick to the wound and bleed again when removed.
• Ulcers
  Relief can be sought with the use of a mouthwash or lozenges containing Benzydamine to help numb the pain. Pharmacies carry a range of medicaments for treatment of oral ulcers.
• Swelling
  Apply an ice-pack to prevent the swelling from getting larger. This can develop into a serious condition should the infection spread so a visit to the dentist as soon as possible is recommended.
• Broken dentures
  Collect any fragments and try to fit them together. Do not attempt self-repair with superglue. If any pieces are missing and you are suspicious they have been swallowed or inhaled then this may or may not give rise to breathing difficulties. Visit to the dentist as soon as possible.
• Wisdom teeth
  When these erupt, the gum can be tender and inflamed. If the tooth is impacted, infection can happen. Maintaining good oral hygiene with the aid of an anti-septic mouthwash will help. Painkillers as above will also help, but if infected a course of anti-biotics is indicated. Ultimately they may require removal.