1. If the tooth is very sharp and digging into your cheek, or tongue you may be able to very carefully smooth it off with an emery board. Please make sure that it is a new clean one and BE CAREFUL!
2. If the hole is the right shape you may be able to soften some sugar free chewing gum and wedge it into the cavity. We know it sounds disgusting but it may provide some relief
3. Alternatively there are some kits available. Toofy Pegs and Den Tek Temporary Repair kit are a couple that come to mind. Both are readily available online and possibly from your local chemist. We are also able to provide you with a Den Tek kit. These kits can be useful but don’t always work
4. If none of the above methods work then keep the cavity very clean with regular brushing, try not to eat on it and if it is sensitive regularly apply a desensitising toothpaste to it. This should help make it more comfortable
5. If necessary take regular pain killers either Paracetamol or Ibuprofen

A Little Reminder

Lastly a little reminder of a few things that will make the coming weeks kinder on your teeth and gums:

• Make sure you brush twice a day with a toothpaste containing fluoride. Ensure you don’t rinse out the toothpaste after brushing as it has much more of a beneficial effect if it is left on the teeth
• Clean in between your teeth EVERY day with either floss, TePes or other cleaning aids that you have been shown by your dentist or hygienist
• Reduce sugar intake in food or drink to just 4 times a day. Your teeth should be able to cope with that. Any more frequent and your risk of developing tooth decay increases dramatically. If you allow tooth decay to develop, it can lead to problems including toothache! The effect of any sugary food and drink on your teeth lasts for up to an hour so be careful and look out for hidden sugars
• Bleeding from your mouth when you brush your teeth is usually because your gums are inflamed – you need to try and determine where the bleeding is coming from and clean more in that area not less.

We hope that you find these tips helpful. Let’s hope that you don’t need to use any of them. If you do, don’t forget that we are on the other end of the phone to give you further advice on 01293 782772 where you will be directed to your dentist for a telephone consultation.