Gum infection

[mistandsun]

Sorry, posting for traffic

I am in so much pain I can barely think straight.

Two days ago I developed a really sore area along my bottom jaw. I went to the dentist yesterday who took X-ray and said there is an old infection under the root of a previously root filled tooth.

I have been given antibiotics, amoxicillin 500mg 3 x daily.

The pain is unbearable, I've been taking ibuprofen and paracetamol every four hours.

I've applied clove oil and Oralgel max strength but it's not really helping.

Never had anything like this before and my teeth are in good condition, except for this fucker.

Any suggestions on what else I can do to manage the pain.

The dentist's plan is to either re do the root filling or extraction but before any of this I need to manage the infection and pain.

Thanks mumsnet

Also, my face is a little swollen.

Anbesol is great, use sparingly thouhh

Go for the extraction, otherwise you risk it becoming infected again.

Ice pack on your face will help soothe it.

Yes I will definitely get it extracted but I'm trying to manage the pain in the mean time. I don't see the point in faffing with another root filling.

I'm also freaking out that dental anaesthetic doesn't work if there is infection.

You can get cocodamol over the counter from the pharmacy, the strongest you can get is Solpadeine Max at 13.8mg of codeine you can take that short term while the antibiotics kick in (3 day max) and take that instead of paracetamol but still take the ibuprofen.
The Chlorhexidine mouthwash can be good sometimes too but I'd check with the pharmacist if it's suitable.
Honestly I feel your pain (literally) my dentist surgery doesn't have a dentist, so I'm on a waiting list again 🙄

It's so painful because the blood swells with the heat from the infection. Try and sleep propped up and ice pack the outside of the pain site.

12.8mg*

Prions my not to be recommended but when this happened to me I took 24 hours worth of abs in one go...

*probably ffs

When I had this I put paracetamol actually on the swollen gum and let it dissolve there rather than swallow it.
Tastes disgusting but gets the pain relief where it's needed faster.

Another vote for anbesol liquid. Don't get it on your tongue or lips though as they will be numb for ages! Tooth/mouth pain is the worst. I hope you feel better soon.

@mistandsun did you remove the tooth

Ooooh here for the tips. I have a broken tooth (molar), it needs to come out but im really unkeen for this as ive lost several molars that side and my face is going to bloody collapse in...

I can't go to the fucking dentists, there isn't one that can fit my wheelchair in or has a chair that goes up to my weight. I am on a list for a home visit, I can't go out if it involves the car currently (hurts too much, unrelated to teeth)... so whichever way up, I cannot get to/do not have... a dentist.

And my broken tooth is infected and half my face throbbing but no one will prescribe AB's (despite my heart condition!)... becasue the dentist want to see me, and the drs don't touch dental... and at this point im catastrophising because im in pain and bloody miserable.

Oh ffs. zombie thread!

@WiddlinDiddlin Did you get it sorted x

You can get antibiotics prescribed from online gp services - I've had them before for a gum infection, I think it cost about £30 delivered.

I did get it sorted, yes i found an online dentist jobby and got a prescription, though not before i resorted to taking some antibiotics i had on hand for the dog! (I did check, i was loopy with pain but not completely stupid. They were amoxiclav and it was an appropriate dose too, just... beef flavoured!)

Much better now, something burst the other night and the worst of the pain is gone!

@WiddlinDiddlin lol