Tooth infection?

[maypole]

Over the weekend my husband has been in agony with what seems to be a tooth infection after having a filling recently. It was not just toothache, he felt ill and was quite debilitated with the pain which was right up the side of his face and could not sleep. He had had his quota of pain killers.
We had to eventually ring NHS direct to see if he could see someone to get some anti biotics. He finally got to speak to a dentist who talked him through all the symptoms and asked what he was taking etc.
He recommended that my husband make a mouthwash with salt and COLD water and rinse every 20 mins. It seemed to help, he was able to sleep and the pain has subsided a little. He will see his own dentist tomorrow.

Just thought I would mention this about the salty COLD water as a handy hint, not hot, as hot would just aggravate an infection or inflammation.

[Toothsmith]

Depends what the problem is.

You should never ever EVER hold anything warm against an aching tooth for just the reasons you mention, but warm salty mouthwashes have their place for certain things.

Advice can often be specific to a specific condition.

[maypole]

Depends what the problem is.

You should never ever EVER hold anything warm against an aching tooth for just the reasons you mention, but warm salty mouthwashes have their place for certain things.

Advice can often be specific to a specific condition.

We soon found that out! at first I gave him a hot salty mouthwash and he nearly shot in the air.
And isn't it funny that sometimes people with Arthritis hold something warm on the joint to ease the pain, I mean Arthritis is inflamation, you need to cool it!

Thank you for your reply anyway, he is of to the dentist today.

[kato_lee]

I found crushed garlic great when rubbed on the tooth and gum area,painful at first but seemed to clear up the infection until I got to see the dentist!

[Toothsmith]

Joint pain is a sort of either way thing.

Cold can help acute joint injuries, such as sprains and twists and overuse. Warm can be very soothing for the more chronic joint pains like arthritis and rhumatism.