Dentists are a saving grace for many who may experience intense toothache or other dental pain. The coronavirus lockdown has been extended in the UK until at least May 7, with many non-essential services closing their doors. But are dentists still open or can you see a dentist during lockdown?
The coronavirus dentist hit the UK earlier this year and as of April 23, has infected more than 130,000 people across the country.
In a bid to slow the spread of the deadly virus, the Government implemented a lockdown on March 23.
Last week the lockdown was extended for at least three more weeks to May 7.
As a result, several non-essential businesses are required to keep their doors closed.
READ MORE: Coronavirus update: Do you have a dental emergency? What to do
For those with a cracked tooth, you should call your dentist if you are in pain.
IF you think your tooth needs to be extracted, you can use dental walk-in services where they will be able to extract your tooth for you.
If you are unsure where this type of service is available near you, you are advised to call your dentist for further advice.
If you have a broken or damaged filling, your crown or bridge has come off or is loose, you can buy a temporary dental kit from your local pharmacy or from Amazon.
This kit will enable you to fill the hole created.
You should be sure to bite down when the filling is still soft to be sure it adapts to your bite.
For those with wisdom tooth pain, you are advised to improve your cleaning as usually, this will alleviate some pain.
Warm salt water mouthwashes can also help to disinfect the area and reduce your pain.
If your pain is severe and impacting your ability to open your mouth, you should contact your dentist as you may need antibiotics.
If you have an ulcer, you should try to reduce discomfort with an anaesthetic gel such as Bonjela.
For those experiencing rubbing or loose dentures, you should consider using a fixative, which is available from most pharmacies.
If you have a broken retainer, you can attempt to bend the wire carefully until it is comfortable with wire cutters, kitchen scissors or nail clippers.
You should be sure to sanitise these devices before putting them near your retainer and use a clean nail file to smooth the edge of a wire afterwards.
