Non specific tooth ache/ear ache/face ache

[MegGriffin]

Hello there. I have been in quite a lot of pain on one side of my face for about three days now. I am not sure whether to see the doctor or dentist. Although my teeth on that side of my face hurt, they don't hurt when I eat and my gums are not sore to touch. I also have ear ache, face ache and eye ache on and off. I have been taking ibuprofen and over the counter co codamol which is helping a bit but I have a feeling this is not going to get better on it's own. I have two questions really

1. Can you get sinus problems without congestion? 2} Has anyone got experience of this? Many thanks

I realy agree with you. Its true what they say about them being a pain all you life what with teething as babies and false teeth for when you are older punctuated with wisdom teeth, root cnanl work, crowns etc etc..

Does it hurt when you bend forward? I suffer terribly with my sinuses (hereditary with us)and I always know its that because when I lean over to pick up something, I get a rush of pressure in my face and it takes ages to go away.

Mind you I had that last week, and this week I have chicken pox...so who knows??

It's not too bad when bend forward, can feel a little pressure but not awful.

Mmmmm not sure what else to say...mind you I am sat here with a bag of frozen peas on my head at the moment because I am literally tearing my hair out cos of the itching...so perhaps i am not the best person to offer advice.

Oh and yes it is completely possible to get the pain without the congestion...

chicken pox? yikes, poor you.

poorbut happy, I think you can take piriton for the itching??

If it was me I would get a dr's appointment as they are easier to get, free and would rule out sinusitus and then you'd know whether to go to dentist.

I get sinus infections/pain without congestion, though it usually follows after a few days. My pain is usually one sided and can be above eye, above teeth and down towards the ear; I fing painkillers and hot water bottle helps relieve pain until seen dr. You could always phone up NHS direct for advice on whether to see your gp.

Hope pain goes soon.

Hot water bottle not a good idea Kez, sorry, it can spread the infection apparently! I didn't know that till last week.

I thought/hoped mine was the clenching thing last year but no. I think when pain is that intense you need painkillers, it's usually teeth. Sooner sorted the better really xx

Get thee to a dentist woman - you know it makes sense!!

The doctor wont do anything, which will just delay the inevitable, plus, as I know, once it really starts hurting then you will be begging for an appointment. And of course, it will be sod's law that it will be Friday night and you will be in agony

Cold takes the pain away slightly from mine, but not as much as 400mg of Ibuprofen and 2 codine!

(((20 mins til denists appiontment))))

oh thanks for that flighattendant, I didn't know that either.

Good luck Geordie! Come back later and tell us how soothed your poor toothy is.

Thanks kezi and fa. At the moment it has moved around to both my jaw joints and behind both eyes. I am going to go out and buy some sudafed to try (any excuse to put off the dentist). If no better I will definitely tomorrow either go to dentist or doctors. Thank you everyone and I promise I will post back as it may help someone else one day. In the mean time DD1 seems to have an infected big toe so we are off to the doctors for her (and a mild distraction for me).

Thanks and good luck geordie

Yes let us know how you get on, maybe mention it to Dr if you have time as well.

Hope you and dd are better soon!

I';m back. First lot done. It was fine, totally numbed up so didnt feel a thing - not in pain just now which makes a change!

Got 2nd appointment in 2 weeks, then hopefully that'll be me.

Blimey that was fast!! Well done. It must be nice not to be in pain!

(when can you open the wine?!)

Well done!

Dentist is only 2 mins away, had half hour appointment.

I think I'm really lucky to have a fab dentist, a woman in her 30's who is 100% honest and kind, I feel relaxed going there which is always a bonus.

I have a fab doctor...who is also an MN'er.. but thats another story!

I was going to suggest TMJ as well, OP. I suffer from this. It's usually one sided.

My dentist had told me I didn't have any problems with fillings etc. Then I saw my GP and was referred to the maxillofacial unit at the hospital. I was examined and x-rayed and given a tooth guard for my lower jaw. I wear it at nights and it has improved things a lot.

Dentists can also make you the mouth guard but you'll have to pay for it. My GP said they normally sent people to the dentist to get their teeth checked properly first but that as I'd already been he would refer me straight away.

I'd had the problem in some form all my life but the "crisis" was brought on my a specific event.

Well I have had an awful night spent crying in pain and I am totaly exhausted. I rang the dentist first thing and I have an appointment in the emergency wait your turn or whatever its called at 12:30. I will let you know how I get on.

Meg - hope it goes OK and he can tell you what's the problem.

Oh pet
I am sorry. Was hoping it might ease off.
Take it very easy and good luck at emergency thing. xx

Oh meg, that's crap! Hope you are out of pain soon!