I've got a tooth infection and suffer dental anxiety. Here's the time line:
12-Sep - woke up with tooth pain, flossed, mouthwashed etc, didn't make a difference.
13-Sep - Started taking Ibuprofen, gum behind tooth started to swell.
14-Sep - Pain worse, called my registered dentist, their answerphone says to call 111.
15-Sep - Second day of trying the emergency dentists' phone number, no answer.
16-Sep - Rang my registered dentist, got an emergency appointment, diagnosed infection, given a week of antibiotics, follow up in 3 weeks.
17-Sep - Pain the same, lump formed behind tooth on roof of mouth.
18-Sep - Rang dentist, dental nurse spoke to the dentist, called me back and said I could try 'popping' the lump myself.
19-Sep - Now off work as so painful, taking Ibuprofen every 4 hours, during the night as well.
20-Sep - No improvement, worse than ever.
21-Sep - Same.
22 - Sep (today) Called 111 again. Nurse Practitioner called me back to check the amount of painkilllers I'm taking is safe. Gave me another emergency dentist number to ring. This one answered, took some details and called me back after 3 hours to say I'd need to call my regustered dentist in the morning.
Why is it so difficult when it comes to teeth?
An infection can spread and be dangerous, gum problems can lead to heart problems.
I will call in the morning and see what happens. Here's to another good night's sleep!