Advice on managing dental pain

• Avoid doing anything that brings on or worsens the pain. For example, some toothache can be made worse by hot or cold foods or cold air.
• Holding cooled water or crushed ice around the tooth can help certain types of dental pain.
• Severe pain from the mouth or teeth sometimes feels worse when lying flat, therefore, try lying propped up as this might ease the pain.
• Use painkillers that have successfully provided pain relief for you in the past without adverse effects.
• When taking painkillers, always follow the directions on the packet for advice in precautions in some medical conditions. Ask your pharmacist or doctor for more information.
• Avoid taking aspirin as a painkiller if there is bleeding.
• Current national guidance suggests that ibuprofen should be avoided if you are known or suspected to have the COVID-19 virus.
• If your pain gets worse, you can seek dental advice via the Dental Helpline:

Telephone: 03330 063 300
Email: accessdentalhelpline@nhs.net
Website: Access Dental