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Original poster

Can’t get tooth pain under control. Can’t sleep.

32 replies

Glowlamp · 09/03/2024 22:50

Went to hygienist on 27th for routine appt, increasing pain since. Saw emergency dentist Tuesday and gum inflammation and bruxism seemed to the problem. No infection, X-rays taken and appt for custom splint made. Been in varying amounts of pain since. Today though, pain has been excruciating. Nerve in jaw horrendous, can’t eat or drink much . I’ve even lost weight over past week. Also had 2 migraines (probably stress of pain). Used mouthguard over past 2 nights, max over counter painkillers, ambesol, bonjela, cold compress.
now pain seems localised to one tooth and can’t close my teeth together, throbbing pain and still nerve pain. Can’t see anything but pain has escalated since yesterday even. Can’t use mouthguard tonight. Too sore :(
Any tips? I just need to get to Monday with some sleep & sanity!!

OP posts:
HesterLee · 09/03/2024 22:53

Have you tried buscopan alongside ibuprofen? Anti-spasmodic, so might help the throbbing pain.

MoreRainbowsPlease · 09/03/2024 22:54

I have been using oragel plus whilst waiting for an appointment for a broken tooth and it has saved me. It contains a numbing ingredient which doesn't work for too long but for me it seems that if I take painkillers and use the gel it seems to switch the nerve off until the painkillers start working. I am also alternating paracetamol and ibuprofen. I also find for me it is worse when I lie down so have spent some night sleeping propped up.

Toothache is the absolute pits so I hope they can get you some relief on Monday.

HellersK · 09/03/2024 22:55

Sounds horrendous. Have you tried applying a heat pack?

ineedtogoshoppingnow · 09/03/2024 22:57

Take ibuprofen along with painkillers, also clove oil and a hot water bottle.

misssunshine4040 · 09/03/2024 23:03

There is nothing worse I'm so sorry.
You have all of my sympathy, I suffered so badly during COVID with bad dental pain that took over my life for a while.

You are doing all the right things, it's just a case of getting through to Monday and sleeping when you can.
The pain is worse at night as you are not distracted so put a film on, tik toks or something mindless to keep your attention span until you are so sleepy you fall asleep

Original poster
Glowlamp · 09/03/2024 23:03

I’m alternating paracetamol and ibuprofen (or was). I got co codamol from chemist earlier so have dropped the paracetamol. cold pack helps a bit. I’m a bit scared of heat pack as think a cup of coffee earlier set the pain off for today!
I’ll try oragel tomorrow - thank you. @MoreRainbowsPlease i hope you get some relief too. This is awful. I’m going to sit up and try listening to a dull podcast for distraction!
. @HesterLee ill look into buscopan too. Thank you.

OP posts:
Original poster
Glowlamp · 09/03/2024 23:06

@misssunshine4040 I was thinking about people who couldn’t access treatment earlier. How horrid. At least I have options. I’m trying to look on the bright side!

OP posts:
misssunshine4040 · 09/03/2024 23:10

I know it's awful.
So sorry you're in this much pain.
Sorry if you've already tired etc Is there an emergency dentist you can access tomorrow ? They might prescribe some super strong pills.

Failing that, get Paramol or one of the behind the counter super strong codeine tables

Original poster
Glowlamp · 09/03/2024 23:24

@MoreRainbowsPlease i spoke with a dentist today but not my own one, they advised co codamol and heat/cold but really just advice call and see my dentist asap. I feel I may have played the pain down somewhat. Just crossing everything to see my own dentist Monday since she’s seen me this week already, though it wasn’t nearly as bad then! :(

I’ve been soldiering on (as you do, life, kids, full time job) but think my threshold has been reached! Sick of hearing myself complain about it today…,,

Thanks for your kindness.

OP posts:
HesterLee · 09/03/2024 23:37

Glowlamp you can take ibuprofen at the same time as co-codamol. You can get buscopan in supermarkets as well as over the counter in the chemist. Don't be put off by the fact they write it's for IBS all over the packet now - it's for cramping/throbbing pain.

ineedtogoshoppingnow · 09/03/2024 23:43

You can take paracetamol and ibuprofen at the same time, 2 of each every 4/6 hours.
I had a toothache last month and this worked much better than co codamol. I don't know why it worked but the hot water bottle really helped!

Hibye23289 · 09/03/2024 23:53

I know it is not advised to take other peoples meds but if anyone has strong co-codamol or tramadol then try and get some. I had THE worst pain last year, days and days of it, I had been dentist and had an infection and was given antibiotics but no strong pain killers one night at midnight I drove to the hospital, said I didn't want to see anyone I just needed strong pain relief and they literally gave me oral morphine at the reception desk and it worked so good for 2 days

ShrubRose · 10/03/2024 00:26

I once had severe dental pain. DDS said it was a gum inflammation and possible infection, did a "deep clean" and prescribed an antibiotic and co-codamol. The pain didn't remit, and the tooth was chipped, so DDS said it should come out.
HOWEVER, the oral surgeon said no, save it. Very gradually the pain receded, and 10 days later it completely resolved. DDS said "nerves are funny things." Apparently a nerve can be very badly irritated, and continues to hurt in the absence of any infection.
I hope your pain resolves and no further treatment is needed.

Original poster
Glowlamp · 10/03/2024 03:02

@HesterLee of course! I used to take this for IBS.
@Hibye23289 there is a literally a hospital at the end of my street. It’s so tempting to go, I’d do anything for morphine right now!
@ShrubRose I cannot work out what is going on. Can’t close my teeth together now. Dozed off and immediately awake again twice when my mouth closes! I’ve chopped a bit off my gum shield so it doesn’t touch my sore area but doesn’t let my teeth touch. Hoping when I get sleepy again this might work. I’ve got a bag of sweetcorn on my face. All the glamour here…..and now retreated to the sofa for a while.
Thanks all of you for replying! I’m trying everything before I storm the dentist Monday morning haha!

OP posts:
its2024 · 10/03/2024 03:08

Sorry you're in pain, have you tried clove oil? It won't taste very nice but when I had toothache it was the only thing that worked, the relief when it does kick in

ShrubRose · 10/03/2024 03:29

Can’t close my teeth together now.

It's not much consolation, I know, but I had that as well. Couldn't chew on that side for 10 days. Hope dentist can resolve it for you very quickly.

Original poster
Glowlamp · 10/03/2024 05:49

@its2024 thought I had some, been through my med collection….. today’s purchase but also perhaps an nhs 24 call.

OP posts:
Original poster
Glowlamp · 10/03/2024 05:52

@ShrubRose oh that’s horrendous. I cannot even contemplate chewing anything right now.

OP posts:
Netaporter · 10/03/2024 06:03

@Glowlamp you poor thing. It does sound like you might have an abscess? Throbbing and sensitivity in the tooth which is not relieved by pain killers is the main indicator. Sadly I have had experience of them, the hygienist visit may be a red herring, but equally could’ve set it off. I once had to have 2 root canals in 48 hours as two teeth next to each other developed an abscess/ the second one the dentist said was set off by the first. Things that the dentist will want to know to diagnose you (I’m not a dentist by the way)

  1. Do you get relief from holding water in your mouth? (Top tip, spit it out if it does, swallowing it adds to your misery by needing the loo constantly)
  2. do hot or cold things make the pain worse?
Also, you should alternate paracetamol and ibuprofen every 2 hrs to get maximum relief, don’t take them together. Clove oil applied to the tooth directly may give some relief but sadly if it is an abscess you’ll only get relief after the pressure is released from draining it through the tooth and from oral antibiotics. Does your dentist have emergency cover on a Sunday?

Wishing you a speedy recovery…

Original poster
Glowlamp · 10/03/2024 06:34

Yes! Holding water in my mouth was the only relief I was getting earlier yesterday…. I’m reluctant to even do that now. I was joking to my family that I’ve never been so well hydrated. That’s when I could joke.
Hot fluids are a definite no.
My alternating painkillers are making no difference now.
I had an abscess in my teens but must have blocked out the pain memory.
There is emergency cover, between 4 local dentists., I got phone advice yesterday but at the time thought I could wait until Monday. Don’t think I want to do that now even though I’d prefer my own dentist!

OP posts:
Netaporter · 10/03/2024 06:44

@Glowlamp you poor thing. Tell the receptionist at the emergency dentist you’re pretty sure you have an abscess, they won’t leave you with that pain. Hope you get it sorted!

Hibye23289 · 10/03/2024 06:47

Don't suffer until tomorrow, go and get pain relief from the hosp if it's only down the road.

Seaoftroubles · 10/03/2024 12:20

Paracetamol and codeine together, Orajel and also oil of cloves applied to 'deaden' it. Have been there and its hell. If you can get a precription for Co codomol 30/500 that will help a lot. Also boiled and cooled water salty rinse if you can bear it.

ShrubRose · 12/03/2024 12:31

Wondering what happened with your poor tooth, OP. Hope dentist was able to resolve everything for you.