DIY tooth extractions and other forms of home dentistry are become increasingly common, according to new warnings from the British Dental Association. Dental practices were closed overnight because of lockdown on the 25 March, with patients only able to access urgent care in the form of temporary emergency NHS hubs.
Of those hubs, only 250 units across the urgent dental care network are taking on patients from more than 9,000 closed practices. With scores of people left in pain, they’re resorting to DIY dental work themselves with one woman filling her broken tooth with moulding putty and filing her tooth down herself.
‘I cleaned it out as best I could because I felt I had no other option,’ Deb Hepplestone told Sky News. ‘There was nowhere I could go to get a filling, then I had to actually file my own filling down with a metal file because I had a piece of jagged tooth that was digging into my tongue.
‘It's just unfortunate that dental treatment isn't seen as a priority because dental pain is horrendous and I'm sure there are people in a worse state than I've been who are really suffering because they can't get seen.'
Another woman went viral after she filmed herself attempting to pull her own tooth out with pliers. ‘The pain for me was worse than childbirth,’ Fay Rayward told Metro. ‘I have never experienced pain like it, it was searing through the side of my face. It was just awful. I’d posted an appeal on Facebook begging for help and advice after I was unable to get a dental appointment. I realised that the only way would be to pull out my own tooth. It was agonising and I only managed to make it wobbly before I had to stop.'
With horror stories like these going viral, it’s no surprise dentists are warning against DIY dental treatment despite the closures.
‘Whilst it may have been difficult to receive any professional dental treatment during this time, DIY dentistry is not recommended,’ leading London dentist, Dr Richard Marques of Dr Richard Clinics, told Grazia. ‘Dentists study for a minimum of five years for a very complicated medical degree – it’s not something anyone should try to wing!’
So what should people do who are struggling with dental pain or problems right now? Well, Dr Marques has the answers for you.
Should anyone ever attempt to give themselves a DIY filling?
‘I would generally never advise giving yourself a filling, however, temporary filling kits which can be found in most pharmacies are a good way of protecting the tooth until you can see a dentist. Products vary, but essentially they will contain a putty-like material that you compress into the affected area. Please bear in mind however that this is a very much a temporary solution – so be extra careful.’
What should someone do if they need a filling during lockdown?
‘If a filling falls out, keep the tooth as clean as possible and don’t bite down on any hard food until you’re able to see a dentist,’ Dr Marques says. ‘Use a mouthwash that contains fluoride, and rinsing with salt water is a good home remedy. Boil the water so it is sterile, allow to cool then add a teaspoon of salt and swish around the mouth three times a day or after you eat.
‘This is a natural anti-bacterial solution and will help reduce the risk of decay, plaque, abscesses and pain. Dabbing a small amount of clove oil on the affected area will also help reduce any pain as it contains the active ingredient eugenol, which is a natural aesthetic and acts as a mild numbing agent. Keep your sugar intake as low as possible too.’
Should anyone ever attempt to DIY tooth removal?
‘The short answer is no!’ Dr Marques ays. ‘This can cause serious damage to your gums and surrounding teeth. It could also lead to further infection. If you get an abscess after the tooth is removed, it will be extremely painful and potentially dangerous if it tracks towards the eyes or airway. I do understand people’s desperation at this time with most dental practices remaining closed. In the future, the dental industry plans to keep most practices open for emergencies.’
What advice do you have for people to keep their teeth healthy and avoid needing dental work during lockdown?
‘Keeping our teeth healthy right now is very important,’ Dr Marques says. ‘Avoid consuming too much sugar, especially things like chewy sweets and toffees. Avoid foods containing pips, seeds and nuts which can get trapped between the teeth and stuck in any tiny cracks or holes.
‘Brush your teeth twice a day, an electric toothbrush is best,’ he adds. ‘Don’t forget to floss. Interdental brushes or water or air flossers are perfect. Use a fluoride mouthwash every day to help prevent tooth decay. If you are suffering from gum disease, use a mouthwash made specifically for this, such as Corsodyl. Finally, avoid hard foods that can cause teeth to crack and keep an eye on your dental practice’s website for when you can next book an appointment!’
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