Ahh, I think I have a dental abcess!

[MummySparkle]

Pretty much that really :(

One of my lower wisdom teeth has been trying to come through for years (literally 7? or so) and has been half through for the last 5 I think. Every now and then it tries to come through a bit, aches for a week or two and then gives up again.

Last time it happened (earlier this year) it all became swollen and hurt like hell for a week. Eventually I was poking it whilst driving and there was a popping noise and a load of foul-tasting cottage cheese stuff came out. It hurt again for a few days and I brushed and used mouthwash religiously and it went away again.

Until yesterday. Now it's swollen again, my face is tender and slightly swollen - I can feel it - see it but DH says he can't. I poked it earlier and got a foul taste in my mouth, but it's still hurting and getting worse. I can't open my jaw fully.

But, I also now have braces. They are on my upper teeth and this is on my lower jaw, so I don't think they're connected, but maybe my upper teeth moving have caused the lower ones to move too?

I'm seeing my orthodontist in Wednesday. Do I try and leave it until then? Should I see someone else? Is it something an orthodontist can deal with? What can I do to make it go away at home?