Dentist advice

[loveyou3000]

Moved away and never registered with a dentist here, DD is a toddler and has always been happy to have her teeth brushed well twice a day. Have followed all the advice re: length of brushing, flouride content etc. But the last few days she's been complaining that one specific tooth hurts and today when brushing her gum bled slightly. I'm rather worried about it, and am being told there are no appointments (rang 5 dentists) until September/October, so haven't registered with any of them as they don't do emergency appointments either. Having never had an issue with my teeth myself as I'm really on top of brushing, flossing etc. and only going for 6 month check ups with nothing being wrong, I actually don't have a clue what to do in this situation. Do I take her to see our doctor instead? Or will we have to wait?

It's unlikely a GP will want to see her, in all honesty. Does your surgery offer online or phone consultations? If they do you could speak with them that way to get a quick answer. You may find a nurse practitioner or similar might be willing to have a quick look?

I would register with a dentist now regardless of whether they can help immediately or not. It's always better to get on the waiting list and they may have a cancellation come up. Also, once you're a patient they sometimes soften and try harder to squeeze you in.

If it were an emergency I would say phone 111 and they would then arrange an appointment for you. Until she's in a lot of pain though they're not likely to help.

If you're very concerned though you can take her to an emergency, out of hours dentist without needing to register. That will cost a lot though. As much as 5x NHS banded prices.