Making my dentist richer....

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Just had a bridge in front less than 2 weeks ago and now it appears I need a root canal for an abscssed tooth. Killer pain.... I luckily have pain killers and antibiotics to take until I can see him. If the pain becomes unbearable tomorrow he will see me then, otherwise I will see him on Monday first thing.

Used up all my dental benefits for the year and so this will be all "out of pocket."

I am doing better now after taking a double dose of Vicodin. Have to get some yogurt down so it doesn't tear up the stomach....

Guess it wasn't bruxism afterall, but the beginning of an abscess.

Hope the pain subsides after he works on the tooth.

I am going to try to get some sleep now, sleeping upright to keep it from throbbing....

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

LOOZINITNOW 2/14/2010 8:03AM

Sorry you are going through that kind of pain physically and financially. I totally understand. We do not have dental...so I am getting ready to pay $2000 for my daughter to have her wisdom teeth cut out, ouch! Report Inappropriate Comment

TAKEMETOTHEBALL 2/14/2010 7:34AM

I feel for you. Had dreadful pain in one tooth and only saw the dentist when it became truly unbearable. Had to have root canal work (and pay for it - didn't have an NHS dentist at the time). I WAS painful but totally worth it. Had stopped eating on that side of my mouth - years later it STILL seems weird I can happily munch food that side again now! Take care Jackie x Report Inappropriate Comment

EASYRIDER1983 2/14/2010 12:05AM

So sorry to hear about your pain. And your benefits are used up too. Yikes. That sucks. I have a lot of work done on my mouth too. So far $10,000. When I'm finished it will be $17,000. Crazy huh. But my benefits are covering it all. Thank goodness. I'll pray that he sees you tomorrow. Report Inappropriate Comment

Acid in food and mouth/tooth pain.

Saturday, February 13, 2010

So for now, no citrus fruits. I am going to google to find out which foods have highest acid in them so I can avoid them. At present I am totally off "ice cream" and I love it too much, anyhow. Hot, cold and acid foods are culprits and anything hard to chew. Yesterday eating special K brought on the discomfort. The night guard is allowing me to get my sleep, just have to figure out what to eat that won't irritate my nerves (or muscle pain). Luckily this has not bothered me at work except when I accidentally drank some cold water.

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I googled and found this interesting article about tooth pain:

Tooth Enamel Erosion

Tooth enamel is the strongest substance in the human body. This semi-translucent, hard, outer layer of the teeth has an important job: protecting teeth from the daily wear and tear of biting and chewing, as well as temperature extremes from hot or cold foods and drinks. Enamel also guards teeth against the erosive effects of acids and chemicals.

Enamel covers the dentin, a part of the tooth that is not as dense as enamel. When enamel erodes, the dentin loses some of its protection. Then microscopic tubes inside the dentin allow hot, cold, or sweet foods to stimulate nerves within the tooth. As a result, you may notice that your teeth have become painfully sensitive to hot or cold foods and drinks and sweets.
What Causes Tooth Enamel Erosion?

Many factors can contribute to tooth enamel loss:

* Consumption of too many soft drinks or fruit drinks, along with poor dental hygiene. Bacteria thrive on sugar and produce high acid levels that can eat away at enamel.
* Eating lots of sour foods or candies. Acidic foods can erode tooth enamel.
* Dry mouth or low saliva volume. Saliva helps prevent decay by neutralizing acids and washing away leftover food in your mouth.
* Acid reflux disease (GERD), or heartburn. Acid reflux brings stomach acids up to the mouth, where the acids can erode enamel.
* Bulimia, alcoholism, or binge drinking, in which frequent vomiting exposes teeth to stomach acids.
* Certain drugs or supplements with high acid content, such as aspirin or vitamin C, can also erode enamel.
* Friction and wear and tear – from brushing teeth too vigorously or grinding teeth, can erode enamel.

What Are the Symptoms of Tooth Enamel Erosion?

When tooth enamel erodes, you may have some of these symptoms:

* Sensitive teeth or tooth pain when eating with hot, cold, or sweet foods or drinks
* Rough or irregular edges on the teeth, which can become cracked or chipped when enamel is lost
* Smooth, shiny surfaces on the teeth -- enamel erosion causes mineral loss on these areas
* Yellowed teeth from thinned enamel
* Cupping, or dents, that show up on the biting or chewing surfaces of the teeth
* When tooth enamel erodes, teeth are more vulnerable to cavities and decay.

How Can You Protect Tooth Enamel From Erosion?

Good dental care at home and at the dentist’s office can help prevent tooth enamel erosion. Here are 12 tips that can help:

1. Cut down on acidic drinks and foods, such as carbonated drinks and citrus fruits and juices. If you do drink them, do so at mealtimes to minimize their effects on the enamel.
2. Switch to modified products, such as low-acid orange juice.
3. Rinse your mouth with water right after having acidic foods or drinks.
4. Drink sodas and fruit juices with a straw, which helps acids to bypass the teeth. Don’t swish acidic drinks around in your mouth.
5. Finish a meal with a glass of milk or piece of cheese to neutralize acids.
6. Chew sugar-free gum with xylitol, which reduces acids from foods and drinks. Chewing gum also increases saliva flow, which helps prevent enamel erosion because saliva strengthens teeth with key minerals.
7. Drink more water during the day if you have dry mouth or low saliva problems.
8. Use a soft toothbrush and avoid brushing too aggressively.
9. Wait for at least one hour to brush teeth after it has been exposed to acids in food or drinks. Acid leaves the enamel softened and more prone to erosion during brushing.
10. Use fluoride toothpaste to strengthen your teeth.
11. Ask your dentist about using commercial toothpastes to reduce tooth sensitivity or to protect against acid erosion.
12. Get treatment for disorders that can bring acid into the mouth, such as bulimia, alcoholism or GERD.

(I love google, also Dogpile.com is another site that helps me answer lots of questions.)

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

WANDAH3 2/13/2010 10:13AM

It's amazing the things that we consume that we don't even consider as harmfull until we start to really look at their effects on our body. Hugs, Wanda Report Inappropriate Comment

RASCALOO 2/13/2010 8:26AM

I was surprised at the "wait one hour after eating acidic food before brushing teeth" one. You just gave me another reason to consider giving up diet sodas! I googled and found this link for info on low acid foods. http://www.everydiet. org/diet/acid-alkaline-diets> Report Inappropriate Comment

MSLZZY 2/13/2010 7:50AM

Keep researching to find your best options. This does restrict you a bit but you can work around it using a little caution. Take care and so sorry you're having these issues. Report Inappropriate Comment

Getting some help today...

Thursday, February 11, 2010

My hubby and I have a trustworthy friend who will stop by and check on DH in the middle of the day. Be sure he is up, takes his prescriptions, eats lunch and takes him out somewhere and goes for at least a half hour walk. This will be so good for him to get away from sleeping or watching t.v. all day. I may even get a little housekeeping help with the bathroom and kitchen areas since my knees limit how much cleaning I am able to do. Hubby keeps saying he doesn't need anybody to check on him and if they can help with the housework I will be "selling" him on the idea more easily if some of the help is for me (us) with the housework. The friend also has a son and niece my husband knows who can fill in on the days when she cannot come over. Her niece is currently unemployed so she is grateful to be able to make a little pocket money.

This will definitely make things less stressful for me. I am grateful that this appears to be a step in the right direction.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

RUSTYSHAW1 2/12/2010 10:31PM

I am glad to hear you are getting help from friends. It is difficult to care for another when they are resistant to receiving help. Also, good to hear some of the cleaning can be lifted from your shoulders. God does answer our prayers. Rusty Report Inappropriate Comment

KAT7457 2/11/2010 6:57PM

Prayers are working to help you out. take care God Bless. Hugs Report Inappropriate Comment

JOHNTJ1 2/11/2010 7:38AM

I think it is alaways so amazing how god provides us with "angels" just when we need them. Have a blessed Thursday Report Inappropriate Comment

WANDAH3 2/11/2010 7:37AM

Great news! It's hard to ask for help at times, but there are times it is necessary. Have a great day, Hugs, Wanda Report Inappropriate Comment

ONEKIDSMOM 2/11/2010 7:33AM

Glad to hear this. Help is good! Report Inappropriate Comment

MSLZZY 2/11/2010 7:03AM

I'd be smiling too! If they can do "double duty", watch DH and help with the cleaning, so much the better. Sneaky but if it works, woohoo! Have a great day! Report Inappropriate Comment

DJS-DEBBIE 2/11/2010 6:41AM

I am so glad to hear you are getting some help! I am sure any stress reduction is more than welcome. Report Inappropriate Comment

Bruxism and night guard....

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

So I guess part of my stress reaction is bruxism (grinding teeth, especially in sleep). I luckily took my husband to the dentist yesterday and he took x-rays and could not find cavities or abscesses or anything else. The whole right side of my jaw and face hurt and he thought it sounded like bruxism. So he made a night guard for me (a soft one that might last 6 months or so, a regular one is $500 or more) and I can pick it up tomorrow. I hope that helps. I have tried cold, heat, Tylenol, etc and nothing seems to help at this point. Luckily the pain is not constant and it comes in waves lasting about an hour at a time. I am so looking forward to using the night guard and will feel much better with this pain under control.

I have to work earlier hours today in order to see periodontist for cleaning so cannot spend a lot of time Sparking thismorning.... I appreciate all the kind replies to my complaining blog yesterday. It is nice to know I have online friends who care about me.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

CMRAND54 2/13/2010 8:23PM

The night guard should help. I had terrible face pain some years back that the doctor said was "TMJ" syndrome. The doctor couldn't help, but the dentist gave me a mouth piece to chew on and that helped a lot. Before long the pain just disappeared. Report Inappropriate Comment

MILDEXSPI 2/10/2010 7:58PM

The night guards are wonderful. I have a tendency to clench my teeth when I'm stressed and know I've had a rough night when I wake with a sore jaw in the morning. Whenever I use the night guards I don't have any jaw pain. I hope yours work as well for you. Report Inappropriate Comment

KAT7457 2/10/2010 4:19PM

I hope the night guard helps you. good luck. Report Inappropriate Comment

SLIMMERJESSE 2/10/2010 9:41AM

Hope you feel better soon. You can massage the outside jaw muscle to loosen it up. But I'm not a expert. Just have done this before to relieve tightness. Have a good day. Report Inappropriate Comment

STOPTHECRAVING 2/10/2010 8:58AM

I find that I tense the muscles in my jaw, but don't grind my teeth. Wonder how the guard will work out? Try meditation for relaxation. Or, putting all your "cares" out to the universe (or God) to take care of before you lay your head down. Hope you are released from this pain and these worries soon. Report Inappropriate Comment

PUDLECRAZY 2/10/2010 7:53AM

Night guards are good. Mine took a while to get used to though. I had to be persistent about using it because having it in my mouth kept me from sleeping well - at first. After that, it really improved my quality of sleep, not to mention overall jaw and tooth comfort. Report Inappropriate Comment

SLENDERELLA61 2/10/2010 7:45AM

Night guard helped me a lot. Hope it does it for you, too. Report Inappropriate Comment

WANDAH3 2/10/2010 7:41AM

Hope the night guard is working for you. Hugs, Wanda Report Inappropriate Comment

MSLZZY 2/10/2010 7:14AM

I hope this alleviates the pain. Have a great day! Report Inappropriate Comment

DJS-DEBBIE 2/10/2010 7:11AM

I grind my teeth too! I can always tell when I have been at it as I wake up with a headache and an ache in my jaw. I find that ibuprophen helps, as does stress reduction! I know, easier said than done... Report Inappropriate Comment

PATRISNA 2/10/2010 7:07AM

Hope the night guard helps. Report Inappropriate Comment

Stress = pain

Tuesday, February 09, 2010

My body always gives me increased pain or reduced pain threshold when I am under stress. Yesterday was one of those days when my stress load was extremely high due to issues at work regarding loss of FMLA job protection and feeling that I may be on the edge of job termination. I have worked for this comopany for 20 years as of the end of March. I am working half days per doctor's orders following a work comp related hand surgery and was told at the time of request for leave of absence that since it was work comp I could just file for an extension. However, I was informed yesterday that at my supervisor's discretion and HR department the absence policy can be invoked and I could possibly be terminated due to "too much time off from work" policy. I feel betrayed.

My husband's in home evaluation for safety turned out well and at this point I will have a friend stop by to see him in themiddle of the day instead of dropping him off at daycare as one of his doctors recommended (which I cannot afford). So I am relieved about that. I feel less anxious about his condition knowing that he is okay when I am at work (and who knows how long I will have my job anyways?).

Now I need to work on getting the 2009 taxes done and getting my other finances in order to see where we stand.

Since it appears that I will not be able to get my other hand surgery or my knee surgery done any time soon due to FMLA issues I need to decide whether or not we can continue to live in our house. If not, I have to get rid of things and get someone to help me clean so I can get an appraisal and see where we are in terms of possible resale value. I have lived in this house 27 years (married 10 years to present husband), so it is a difficult procedure not only in terms of sheer volume of possessions but also emotional attachment.

Is that enough stress? So no wonder I am on the edge of tears and "everything hurts."
I plan to go to the gym this morning and use the recumbent bike 30 minutes, then go to therapy pool at work for 1 hour.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

KAT7457 2/9/2010 4:55PM

sorry to hear all about your issues at least you have someone to come in for your husband I dont think since your on work comp they cant let you go.thats doesnt sound right. I would call an attorney most are a free call for a question or if you know someone that knows the laws.good luck with your decision keep us posted. we are all here for you even if you have to vent or cry we all do it. i am under stress also.i think at one point we all go thru alot of stress put i will keep u in my prayers. Report Inappropriate Comment

CMRAND54 2/9/2010 3:30PM

I hope you can get things straightened out at work and don't have to move. Life is tough sometimes! Report Inappropriate Comment

JEANNE0724 2/9/2010 9:46AM

I am so sorry to hear about your job, I would see if you can speak to an expert on FMLA to see where you stand, sometimes companies can use their own interpretations on rulings, forgetting there is actually people, not just numbers in a budget. Good luck and hang in there! Report Inappropriate Comment

KEENTINA 2/9/2010 8:14AM

I've been in my house 10 years and plan on moving this spring (it's too hard to move in winter!). I am looking forward to not having the maintenance or the bill for having someone do it. I looked forward to the amenities. I wanted to move to a senior complex (I qualify for most here at 55) because I thought it would be safer than where I live. I'm now talking about moving with a friend who already has workout equipment. Weeding is hard. You always end up with more than you think and always more than you really need. Good luck with your decision - whether you move or stay. Report Inappropriate Comment

ONEKIDSMOM 2/9/2010 7:34AM

Thoughts and prayers headed your way. May you find comfort in knowing that you are doing what you can, taking care of yourself... that foundation can be the first step in handling this situation. Report Inappropriate Comment

MSLZZY 2/9/2010 7:17AM

It is not pleasant to encounter stress when you've been told one thing and find out it isn't true. Who writes these regulations, anyway? But I can understand since there have been many who have abused the system in the past. The thought of having to sell your home would make anyone want to cry. I guess it wouldn't hurt for me to get my house in order either. The sheer volume of "stuff" I have boggles the mind. Let's hope it doesn't get to that point for either of us. Report Inappropriate Comment

LOOZINITNOW 2/9/2010 7:07AM

Loving thoughts and prayers being sent your way! Remember to breathe and relax. Report Inappropriate Comment

DJS-DEBBIE 2/9/2010 6:07AM

I am so sorry to hear this. It does sounds like your job betrayed you. Unfortunately as the economy gets tougher I am hearing more stories like yours. It seems like no one cares about the individual anymore. Enjoy the therapy pool. Hopefully it will ease some of your aches and pains. Report Inappropriate Comment

GOING2LSEITNOW 2/9/2010 5:45AM

My thoughts are with you. Take care of yourself and hopefully everything will work out for the best. Report Inappropriate Comment

MUSIC66 2/9/2010 4:46AM

sorry about your work situation that does not seem very fair at all about your work cover.hope you can get that all sorted out soon. Report Inappropriate Comment