San Francisco, Marin, and Oakland, CA
The coronavirus pandemic may have you concerned about when or if you can get dental care. Not knowing which businesses are open or what services are being offered, it could be a frightening time. Therefore, emergency dentists in San Francisco at Glen Park Dental are sharing information about what to do if you get a throbbing toothache during the coronavirus pandemic.
At-Home Pain Relief
Dental emergencies always seem to happen at the worst time. Sheltering in place during COVID-19 could cause you to panic if you develop a severe toothache. Therefore, Glen Park Dental, a dentist in the Bay Area that accepts dental emergencies during COVID-19, recommends contacting our office if you develop dental pain. Until then, below are a few ways you could reduce your discomfort until you come in to see us.
- Pain Relievers – Reducing your pain could be as simple as taking some over-the-counter medication such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the bottle by taking the medicine every four to six hours as needed for pain, so long as you do not have any pre-existing medical condition that makes taking OTC pain relievers unsafe. While you may find relief from these medications, don’t be fooled, your tooth is not healed. You still need to see an emergency dentist in the Bay Area as soon as possible.
- Cold Compress – Applying a cold compress on your cheek could lessen dental pain. Simply place an ice pack wrapped in a towel on the affected area to reduce swelling and pain. If you do not have an ice pack at home, a frozen bag of vegetables or a homemade ice pack using a resealable plastic bag filled with ice should work well.
When You Should Call Your Dentist
Patients experiencing dental pain during the coronavirus pandemic should avoid going to their local emergency room. ER doctors aren’t equipped to treat toothaches, and will refer you to an emergency dental office in San Francisco. Severe toothaches can be a sign of an infection or another serious condition that needs immediate attention from a dentist. If you are experiencing moderate to severe dental pain, have a broken dental crown, an abscessed tooth, or a cracked or broken tooth, contact Glen Park Dental to arrange for care.
Prevention is Better Than Emergency Care
Emergencies happen, and you can’t always prevent a toothache. But, practicing good oral hygiene can reduce your chance of experiencing a throbbing toothache. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that you brush your teeth twice a day and floss a minimum of once daily to maintain good oral health. By removing food debris and bacteria after eating, you could prevent damage to your dental enamel resulting in fewer cavities. While our sheltering in place order may only last a few more weeks, we recommend setting up a dental checkup and cleaning appointment. Visiting the dentist at least twice a year also reduces your chance of getting a toothache. During the coronavirus pandemic, Glen Park Dental is offering emergent care only. Therefore, it is recommended that you take extra care of your teeth to reduce the risk of developing cavities.
Emergency Dentists in San Francisco, California
Glen Park Dental is still here for you, even during COVID-19. Our practice is taking additional precautions to keep you and our team safe and healthy. If you need to schedule an emergency appointment, please contact our office by calling (415) 585-1500. We serve the Marin, Oakland, and San Francisco communities of the Bay Area.