TOOTH TIPS

Simple Help for Non-Emergency Dental Care

  • ORAL HYGIENE / DENTAL PREVENTION
  • • Brushing at least twice daily with a soft toothbrush and a fluoridated toothpaste. Spit, don't rinse 
  • • Usefloss or interdental products (interdental brushes/aquapick) daily. 
  • • ‘Neutrafluor’ toothpaste (5000ppm) is a high fluoride toothpaste which will give you added protection against decay. Please note this product is not suitable for children under 6 years old. 
  • • Xylitol chewing gum will help to prevent decay. Please note that xylitol is dangerous for dogs. 

  • SENSITIVE TEETH 
  • • Always brush with a soft toothbrush
  • • ‘Sensodyne Rapid Relief’ and ‘Colgate Pro Relief’ can help with sensitivity. You can apply these with a finger tip to a sensitive area as often as required. You can also brush with it as you would normally. 

  • BROKEN TEETH  
  • • Smooth sharp edges with an clean emery board (nail file).
  • • Use sensitive toothpaste as directed above.
  • • Temporary filling material in the cavity such as ‘Dentafix’ may help. Well packed clean plumbers tape may also suffice.

  • TOOTHACHE
  • • Oil of cloves can be used with a cotton bud or make a cotton pellet and apply to the tooth causing symptoms. You can target this between teeth using floss or interdental brushes.
  • • Management of pain with pain relief. If unsure whether you can take these, please do check with your doctor or pharmacist. Ibuprofen (‘nurofen’) is an anti-inflammatory which is good for dental pain. Additionally, it can be combined with paracetamol (‘panadol’). If you cannot take ibuprofen, instead take paracetamol. Tip: follow directions on packet and take regularly as required. 
  • • There are other products such as combinations of codeine-paracetamol ‘panadeine’
  • • If you have uncontrollable pain or bleeding please  call the Taranaki Base Hospital on 06-753-7866 and ask to be put through to the Dental Unit.

  • GUM PROBLEMS
  • • We recommend ‘Peroxyl’ mouthrinse as this does not cause reversible brown staining of your teeth. ‘Savacol’ is another option, but it will cause reversible brown staining after two weeks of use. Follow as directed. 
  • • Warm salt water rinsing. To do this combine 1tsp of salt and a cup of warm water.
  • • If it is a wisdom tooth with gum that is inflamed around it, you can try oil of cloves also 

  • JAW / MUSCLE PAIN
  • • It’s fairly normal to feel a bit stressed at a time like this. Clenching and grinding (bruxism) can result in jaw pain, headaches and muscular pain. 
  • • If you have one, wear your nightguard as directed, and you can use anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen, a warm heat pack and relaxation techniques such as meditation to improve your condition. 

  • DENTAL / OROFACIAL TRAUMA
  • • Please call the Taranaki Base Hospital on 06-753-7866 and ask to be put through to the Dental Unit.