My worst fear (only a slight exaggeration) has come true. I've got toothache.

[ITonyah]

Last year I had a tooth abscess that was so bad I got to the point of not caring if I overdosed on painkillers.

It's been filled and root canalled.

Ive been so, so terrified of anything like it happening again. This morning I had a niggly ache in my jaw, took two nurofen and it went off, now it's back. I can't pin it down to a specific tooth though, it feels more in my jaw.

I'm petrified I will get another abscess and not be able to see a dentist

[Zem74]

I had a hole in my tooth that I had been able to feel with my tongue for a couple of weeks, then when I realised I could see it in the mirror I braved it and went to the dentist. I was so worried because I’m high risk and terrified about having someone in my face while filling it in but so glad I did go! X-ray Showed the hole was deep and almost at the root of the tooth and if id left it any longer it would have needed a root canal so I think if you can just call and book an appt ASAP as leaving it could result in more work being needed, could just be a little hole that needs filling?

[Layladylay234]

Oh you have my sympathies OP. I suffered terribly with abscesses as a teen and then got one last Easter. I said at that point I'd rather go through childbirth again than have another abscess. I knew it was an abscess and the dentist confirmed and prescribed antibiotics. I believe if they're not sorted Sharpish then they can develop into something really nasty so you really need to push for a dentist appt if that's what you think you have as it can take a while for antibiotics to kick in.

Painkillers wise,I found Paramol to be a game changer and the strongest ibuprofen I could get over the counter. Alternate them and then in between,rinsing my mouth with warm salty water.

[mac12]

Oh OP I hear you. Toothache is the pits. I once had wisdom tooth infected after the gum decided to grow back over the tooth. The pain! Paramol is the only thing that worked (also completely knocked me sideways, rarely take painkillers & I was away with the fairies so be careful if you take it) speak to a pharmacist & hope you get sorted soon. I have had niggle in one tooth for most of lockdown & have dreaded it getting bad before dentists reopen. Good luck.

[Doyouthinktheysaurus]

You have my sympathies,I'm had my tooth out when I had an abscess such was the fear of it returning. I'm a nurse and did overdose on diclofenac as I was so addled with pain, I didn't read the information properly😫

Call your dentist as soon as possible, there are emergency hubs open for urgent appointments and as you will know, an abscess can develop quickly.

Hope you get seen💐

[Somewhereinthesky]

Feel sorry for you, but most of tooth decay can be prevented imo. Eat healthy, brush and floss.

[myrtleWilson]

Am sure the OP is comforted by your post somewhere

[ITonyah]

Thank you so much. I clench my teeth badly and I'm hoping that i might have 'just' aggravated my jaw. I can't work out where the ache is coming from but its definitely there. Thanks for the paramol advice

[ITonyah]

Feel sorry for you, but most of tooth decay can be prevented imo. Eat healthy, brush and floss

I am 53 with no fillings. I cracked my tooth before because I clenched it so hard. But thanks for the advice

[KatharinaRosalie]

this exact thing happened to me a few weeks ago, clearly pain but felt like in several teeth, kept eating painkillers. Got xrays and all and teeth are fine, it was all caused by being stressed and clenching in my sleep.

[FourTeaFallOut]

I had this at the beginning of lockdown. My whole face blew up. I was really lucky that the antibiotics worked. My dental surgery gave me a ring a few days ago to let me know they were able to help now - so at least some are up and running if the niggle turns into agony.

[minipie]

A few dentists have been open the whole time for emergencies, and more dentists are opening very soon (like this or next week). Call all your local dentists and see who can see you. Don’t ignore it!! Good luck.

[FlamingoAndJohn]

I have a tooth that started to fall apart a few weeks ago. I did hurt but it’s stopped now. I keep meaning to call the dentist to get an appointment but I’m struggling to find time in the day.

Could your pain be sinus pain? Last time I had a sinus infection I would have sworn blind it was my teeth.

[mac12]

Just to add, this sounds mad & is probably only psychological, but my husband swears by chewing gum whenever he has a bit of tooth pain/sensitivity. I have tried it & it works! Chew lots of sugar free gum until you can see a dentist, it may give some relief.
And by the way @Somewhereinthesky my bad tooth was nothing to do with poor dental hygiene (46 no fillings) - it was bad luck. Bodies are like that. Don’t shame people who are ill & in pain. Really not cool.

[ITonyah]

this exact thing happened to me a few weeks ago, clearly pain but felt like in several teeth, kept eating painkillers. Got xrays and all and teeth are fine, it was all caused by being stressed and clenching in my sleep

I am hoping this is what it might be.

Sorry for all of you with tooth pain, I've had three children with no drugs and my tooth abcess was the worst pain I've ever experienced

[Somewhereinthesky]

If you are flossing everyday, and eating healthy, and still get bad teeth, I'll apologise.
I am not shaming anyone. I have lots of fillings as a child/teenager. Haven't had it for last 20+ years. So, it was my genuine opinion.

[palacegirl77]

Sounds more like TMJ ( temporomandibular joint) pain which is caused by clenching. Fingers crossed the painkillers will ease it off - clenching definitely can cause this.

[cretelover]

Try rubbing some sensodyne around the affected area.i have dreadful teeth and every now and again
I get aches in no specific place, this seems to work well. Use it as a toothpaste too obviously

[amylou8]

There is dental provision up and running now. Hubs have been set up for some weeks, and local dentists are starting to reopen as of Monday. I had a temp filling on 24th march as my extraction had to be cancelled, then it got infected....fortunately it's held...but I feel your pain (literally).

[ITonyah]

I will get some sensodyne.

I wonder if its joint pain?

I am so paranoid about it. Thank you for all being so sympathetic

[Katrinawaves]

Our regular dentist opened this week and saw my husband yesterday for a broken crown. Hopefully there will be a practice open near you which will see you.

[ITonyah]

Thanks. I think I'll wait until next week unless it starts to get worse. The pain has moved to the other side now and is in my ear as well so I'm hoping its "just" sinus pain!!!

[PeanutButterKid]

My dentist is not doing an drilling, so won't replace my filling that fell out (yet). I was told to ring back in 4 weeks. sigh. Hope you have better access, OP.

[LucyLeak]

I'll second the Sensodyne toothpaste, not cheap, but worth it! I'm also a clencher, best tip I had was to put the tip of your tongue between your front teeth, it helps to keep your jaw relaxed.

[mac12]

@Somewhereinthesky don’t worry, all kudos to you for turning that around with your teeth. I am big believer we can all make positive changes for ourselves, just sometimes our bodies conspire against us! And I have to say, now I’m wrong side of 40, it all takes so much more maintenance, what with all the flossing and the brushing & the mouthwash. No wonder I’m tired

[Somewhereinthesky]

mac12, thank you. And anyone who I have offended, it wasn't my intension. I am sorry.