I am in pain, do i need doctor or dentist?

[ilovetochat]

I have had a cold for 9 days but since friday my face is painful from my eye socket down to my jaw line on the one side. I'm not sure if its my sinuses, a tooth or an ear infection. A tooth at the tp and one at the bottom both feel sore and my gums are all red round them.
I have been taking 6 paracetamol a day and i never normally take tablets.
DP had this cold started before me and he went to the docs with a swollen face and had an ear infection and tonsilitus,
should i start with the docs first?
Only problem is i've got dd and workmen in tomorrow from 8am who i cant leave so i might have to wait till wednesday.

Do both to cover the bases.

if teeth are sore and gums are red then i'd go for the dentist first off.

Sounds like a sinus infection, which would mean antibiotics. If you bend over, with your head by your knees, is the pain worse?

Think you really need to try to get to the GP tomorrow - is there no-one who could come over and look after your dd?

just put my head my my knees and the pain was much worse right up to the top of my head, my head is pounding.
when i blow my nose i can feel pain in my cheek and ear too

Yup. Sinus infection. You really need to get to the GP.

ok, will book tomorrow, may have to chuck workmen out for half hour and i can take dd.
dp could come back from work but would be hassle for him and take him ages.
mom on holiday.

steam inhalation can help, put your head over a bowl of just boiled water and a towel over your head and inhale through your nose. put in some tea tree oil or something nice if you want. blow your nose after. do it a few times a day.

yes, it sounds like sinusitis, which usually needs antibiotics. and steam.

the dentist can prescribe anti-biotics and painkillers, so go to them.

dentist can xray it too and find out where the infection is. takes ages if you have to wait for doctor to arrange one.

I went to the docs after the workmen finished for the day and he has given me penicillin for sinusitus and an ear infection, that explains why the pain was from my eye to my jaw. Can still take paracetamol so im dosed up now. Thanks for all for replies!
my only problem now is i have no hot water and no heating till tomorrow when boiler is finished, brrrr.

Also awful as it sounds, try not to blow your nose too often. The more you can bear to let it just drip out the better.

A decent decongestant may help in the short term, but as the others say, you really need to see the GP because you might need antibiotics

Go to the GP. He/She can check to see where the infection is. i.e. ears/sinus/throat.

The dentist can only prescribe antibiotics for the inflamed gum - if it is infected.

Is there any yellow bulge on the gum or the inside of your cheek? Any Puss?

When you blow your nose is the mucus green?
This is an indication of a sinus infection.
Get some Sudafed from the chemist (remember you can only get one pack due to new legislation, so dont argue with them, they can not give you more)

The Doc can take a look in your ears for an ear infection, but if you arent allergic or dont have asthma/heart problems/kidney disease or stomach ulcers take some Ibuprofen and paracetomol together. Or take the Ibupfrofen first, then wait two hours and take paracetamol, just so the pain doesnt come back.

You will probably find that this will work really well if you have or havent got an infection as it will reduce swelling.

Remember DO NOT get the Sudafed with the paracetamol added, if you are already taking the paracetamol!

You can take the Sudafed with the Paracetomol if you DONT take any other paracetamol containing products.

Also, Drink plenty!

And... Go to the GP first as you dont want to have the dentist poking around if you are in lots of pain and uncomfortable.