Treatment options
Treatment options
The key to preventing most, if not all, dental problems is to follow a good oral hygiene regimen:
- Brushing teeth twice a day (one occasion being last thing at night) with a fluoride-containing toothpaste
- Using floss or interdental brushes daily to remove plaque and food debris from between the teeth and under the gum line
- Rinsing with a mouthwash that contains fluoride to remove bacteria from hard-to-reach areas of the mouth, as well as from the tongue, gums and roof of the mouth. This should not be used at the same time as brushing as it washes away the fluoride in the toothpaste, lessening its impact
- Dentures should be brushed with soap and water or toothpaste before soaking. Denture cleaning tablets are available to remove stains and bacteria (Steradent Denture Cleaning Tablets). After soaking, the dentures should be gently brushed again.
Recommendations
OTC oral analgesics containing a local anaesthetic such as lidocaine hydrochloride or benzocaine (e.g. Anbesol or Orajel Dental Gel) can be recommended to help relieve the pain of toothache, mouth ulcers, teething and dentures.
Specialist mouthwashes (e.g. CB12, ultraDEX) can be used as part of this routine to neutralise and prevent the formation of the gases that cause bad breath.
Specialist toothpastes and mouthwashes may help sensitive teeth (e.g. those in the Sensodyne and Colgate Sensitive Pro Relief ranges). Customers could also be advised to see a dentist to check if fillings are needed.
Antiseptic products such as those containing chlorhexidine (e.g. Care Chlorhexidine Digluconate Antiseptic Mouthwash, Colgate Pro Gum Health 0.2% Antiseptic Mouthwash, Corosdyl Mouthwash, Gel and Spray) may help treat and prevent gingivitis.
Physical products such as teething rings are a safe way for babies to chew and ease discomfort. Rings should be cooled in the fridge, not the freezer, to avoid damage to gums.
Added advice
Suggest the following tips to help customers look after their oral health:
- Practise good oral hygiene
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid damage to tooth enamel
- Change manual toothbrushes and electric toothbrush heads every three months
- Start brushing children’s teeth as soon as they start coming through and get them into a good routine from a young age
- Consider fluoride supplements or mouth rinses for children at risk of dental decay
- Get regular dental check-ups – how regular will depend on a dentist’s recommendation, but usually every six months
- Don’t delay dental treatment, as it may make problems worse and harder to treat later on
- Dentures and braces should fit well, be checked regularly and cleaned thoroughly
- Rinsing the mouth with warm salt water can help ease dental pain
- Chewing sugar-free gum after eating helps to stimulate saliva – one of the body’s natural defences against the acid produced by the bacteria in plaque.