Question:
I am 8 months post-op and I have just begun having bad pain in my teeth

and gums. My gums are irritated and red,they are sore and I am afraid that this will get worse.I am able to drink milk with no prob and do so often. Will this prob go away or can i do anything to stop it.I have no dental plan through my insurance but can maybe get my primary to write a script for antibiotics,will this help? Thanks    — natalie J. (posted on August 23, 2004)

August 23, 2004
Even if you take antibiotics the problem at some point will return. you could need a deep cleaning sometimes the infection needs to be taken out with a scaler as well as use of an antibiotic. If your face swells do not use ice it will draw the infection out more and is considered a medical emergency. your best bet go see a dentist right away. If cost is a problem find a teaching hospital that has a dental clinic or a university that has a dental program. good luck.
   — D J.

August 23, 2004
I had a problem about six months after surgery and talked with my dentist. She did a good thorough cleaning and advised me to switch to toothpaste for sensitive teeth and gums. I switched to that and have had no problem since. I also started brushing my teeth after EVERY meal and snack to avoid having food buildup on my teeth.
   — scbabe

August 23, 2004
When't the last time you had a good cleaning? If you have plaque it can cause gum disease. It's not something that will clear up on it's own. Antibiotics will not solve the problem. Get an appointment for a cleaning and see what they say. Also... do you take your vitamins? Sometimes I wonder if these problems aren't affected by vitamin deficiencies.
   — mom2jtx3

August 24, 2004
Hello! I've had pain in my teeth before and it was all due to not taking my calcium. For some reason I don't understand my teeth would move slightly during this stage and it would irritate my gums and make them sensitive. As soon as I took my calcium the pain went away. I don't know if this might be your case. I had low calcuium last time I had bloodwork. Don't know if u've had blood test. Good luck with the pain =0).
   — Bertha A.

August 24, 2004
How much calcium in citrate form are you taking? How much vit D, either with the calcium or in separate dry (not oil) form? If you are relying on milk as a major souce of calcium, then lack of calcium could be a problem. Of course, going to the dentist might help clear up the gum issues. I no longer have dental ins, either and had to pay for the first time in 30 yrs for a routine cleaning. $92 ! Yow. But still much cheaper than $920 worth of crown, right?
   — vitalady

September 10, 2004
My husband is just over 3 months out and he started having terrible pain in his back molars on the left side. He went to the dentist and they said he needed a root canal. We didn't think that was the problem so we consulted another dentist. The dentist said that the pain was caused by localized gingivitis which he didn't have before. The dentist prescribed Chlorhexidine .12% Rinse. If you are going to see a doctor, you can ask him/her about it. Good Luck!
   — [Deactivated Member]