[BJ]

I don't know what's going on with my mouth but my jaw is hurting terribly. I can't eat anything, my jaw is all swollen and I didn't sleep a wink because of the pain. I brush and floss every day so I never expected this. I had a check up 6 months ago and everything was fine.

I called my dentist but only got the answering service. Any ideas what I should do???? I've tried Ambesol and salt water but nothing has helped.

[Bryanna]

Hi BJ,
Anytime there is swelling in the jaw, it is imperative to see a dentist asap. It could be an abcessed tooth or an infected gland. Massive or rapid swelling in the lower jaw near the molars can be what is called Ludwig's angina. This is a bacterial infection of the floor of the mouth that occurs from an infected tooth or a mouth injury. It is very serious and can actually block the airway. It is not something that will go away on it's own and needs medical/dental attention asap.

Even people with perfect teeth get oral infections. Teeth that have fillings in them are more prone to infection due to microscopic cracks in the fillings of which bacteria get into and multiply.

I'm 30 years in dentistry and see alot of swollen faces ........ do not wait to seek medical/dental attention. Call your dentist and leave an urgent message on his machine or go the the ER at your local hospital and see their dentist on staff.

I hope your problem is not too serious and easily remedied. Please let us know how you are doing.

Bryanna

[BJ]

Thanks Bryanna I'm going to leave another message. All I know is I've never had pain like this before in my mouth. I do have fillings but I'm such a bed bug about my mouth and it's sort of an obsession to brush, and brush more.

[Bryanna]

I understand you do what you can to be deligent about your oral hygiene and that's realy great! But oral infections are extremely common and they occur even in the cleanest mouths.

The mouth also has several glands of which can become clogged or blocked either from an infection and/or a stone. Again, this is more common than people realize. These can be quite painful and cause swelling.

Please keep us posted on how you are doing!

Bryanna

[BJ]

My dentist is squeezing me in at 11:30. They're only open to 12 and there was a cancellation. Gosh, even my ears are hurting. I'm not looking forward to this at all but I'm so miserable.

[BJ]

It's my wisdom teeth. I have two that are impacted and they're going to take out all four at one time. I have antibiotics and Vicodin for pain. But it won't be until Monday. And I'll be in LaLa land so, according to the surgeon, I won't feel a thing.

[Bryanna]

Well I am glad that you got in to see the dentist today! The antibiotics will help alleviate some of the inflammation from the infection. However, antibiotics take 24-48 hours to get into the blood stream with consistancy. So don't miss a dose!

We always suggest that a patient taking antibiotics also take a probiotic to help maintain good intestinal bacteria since the antibiotics kill off the good and the bad. Supplementing with probiotics can alleviate the common side effect of intestinal upheavel that many people experience from taking antibiotics. The probiotic should be taken one hour before the antibiotic or two hours after so they do not counteract each other. Irrelevant of how often each day you take the antibiotics, you should take the probiotic twice a day. It is a good idea to continue with the probiotics for at least a month after the antibiotics are done to help build up the good intestinal bacteria. We usually recommend a product called Culturelle or Primal Defense.

Don't worry about the surgery. It sounds like you will be in no discomfort for the procedure and hopefully back to your old self in a day or two!

Please keep us informed of how you are doing!

Bryanna

[BJ]

Thanks Bryanna but what's a probiotic?

I was just researching what he's going to do and stopped looking.

All I know is I'm terrified of being put "out". I've had local many times but never general. I guess the good thing is I'll be "asleep" for a while since I haven't done much of that lately. I just wish it was all over.

I'm off to church. I hope I don't scare any of the congregation away with my swollen jaw.

[Bryanna]

Probiotics are various live mircroorganisms that are beneficial to your health. They are non-pathogenic bacteria which are considered friendly germs. Supplementing with them actually benefits the colon and the immune system. The word probiotic is a compound of a Latin and a Greek word, meaning favorable to life. People who strive for optimal health, either have a diet rich in probiotic foods and/or supplement daily with a reliable brand of probiotics.

Antibiotics are actually immuno-suppressants which work by killing off ALL of the (probiotic) lactobacteria in the intestines. Lactobacteria is healthy bacteria that lives in our intestines and is essential for quality of life. Without it, the intestines are severely impaired altering proper digestion and the assimilation of nutrients. When we are fighting an infection, it is imperative to keep the body as healthy as possible.

People end up with stomach or intestinal problems during and after antibiotic therapy because they are either low in lactobacteria to begin with (which is very common) and/or the antibiotic has killed it off completely. Supplementing with a product like Culturelle will replenish the lactobacteria that the antibiotic is killing off.

You can purchase Culturelle at many drug stores or health food stores. Their website is www.culturelle.com

I understand your fear and apprehension about having your wisdom teeth out and being put under anesthesia. If you weren't a bit nervous, I'd wonder why! They refer to the anesthesia as general because it is administered through an IV line and it does place the patient in a semi conscious state. We refer to it as twilight state because the drugs used do not put them into an unconscious state. For all practical purposes, you will be "asleep" and have no sensation of pain or memory of what is happening and time will have passed very quickly for you.

Post operatively, be prepared to eat a very soft diet for about 7-10 days. The main reason for this is because your facial muscles along the TMJ joint will be stretched to obtain easier access to the teeth and you will need to give these muscles a rest. You will also have some inflammation and swelling and may have limited opening for a few days. Drink at least 8-10 glasses of quality water every day as this will help flush out bacteria and help with the healing. Plan on taking it easy for at least the first 2 days, no strenuous work or exercise.

Please let us know how things are going!
Bryanna

[dahlek]

on target about everything she's posted... I'm sorry I'm late here.

Those wisdom teeth are pesky things aren't they? I had all four of mine out at once and am glad they are GONE. Make if you can eat it [no gluten issues] a mashed potatoe soup, essentially mashed potatoes, milk, and souped up with chicken broth...a dash of garlic or onion powder can 'spice' it up. It's tame, filling [when my mouth was sore I NEEDED filling?] and even has a bit of nutrition in the broth and milk. Your gums will probably be very tender for a week to 10 days, then work your way up the 'solids' food-chain so to speak.

Priobiotics are good in any form...Bryanna, how about Danactive? It's a good thing it's [the teeth] aren't too abcessed! Abcesses anywhere in any form aren't FUN at ALL!

Do promise us you will NOT skip ONE anti-biotic pill? Please, Bad things loove to grow in mouths...don't let it happen! - j