Swollen lips and sore gums

[storm1]

Hi, I am a very nervous dental patient. I also have sensitive teeth and was prescribed colgate duraphat which i have been using for 4 weeks. I recently had a molar fracture, no pain, blood or swelling. I visited dentist on Monday who took xrays and said no infection and filled break with white filling no injection to numb needed. No pain. Tooth felt slightly uncomfortable on the Tuesday. Wednesday awoke with swollen and cracked lips, sore gums, ulcers, stinging and top gums red and uncomfortable. Went back to dentist, said no tooth problems and said to stop using duraphat as possible allergic reaction. Found that strange after 4 weeks usage although it did sting when first applied. During the day lips started to go down, woke up this morning swollen again. Back to dentist Thursday. Thank you for reading.

 

[Gordon]

OK, what's the question?

 

[storm1]

@Gordon is it possible the dentist could of missed something, ie hidden crack which has allowed a small infection. Could it be the duraphat and if so is there another medication to take it's place. Thank you. My anxiety about going back to dentist is rather high and possibly exacerbating the problem.

 

[Gordon]

Could it be the duraphat and if so is there another medication to take it's place.

Yes, some people are sensitive to the SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulphate) which is a foaming agent used in some toothpastes, I'm not sure if the Duraphat stuff is higher in it than others but you could try switching to Sensodyne Pronamel, which is SLS free and see what happens. It could be you're sensitive to something else in the Duraphat paste but SLS is a pretty common one so I'd start with that.

ie hidden crack which has allowed a small infection.

Sure, they could have done, but that would cause symptoms locally in the area of the crack, not all round your mouth and lips.

 

[storm1]

Thank you Gordon. You have put my mind at rest and I feel less anxious. Luckily, I purchased some Sensodyne Pronamel today so I will give that a try. Have a great weekend.

 

[Gordon]

Good, let me know how you get on. It's not the greatest tasting toothpaste I've ever tried I'm afraid. Hopefully your taste buds are different!

I just remembered that Duraphat paste is made by Colgate and they've always used a bit more SLS in their pastes.

 

[storm1]

Hi Gordon, just a quick update, I switched to pronamel and it seems to be working as lips have gone down and mouth sores have gone. However, the filled tooth is still very tender and has started to throb a bit. Is this something to worry about or normal. I have a dentist review on Thursday. Thank you.

 

[storm1]

Forgot to mention tooth was not drilled just filled

 

[Gordon]

Seems like you're definitely sensitive to SLS then, I'd avoid everything from Colgate in the way of toothpaste from now on.
Throbbing and tenderness from the tooth isn't a great sign, hopefully it'll not get worse before Thursday.

 

[storm1]

Thanks Gordon. Woke up this morning and no throbbing tooth, just sensitive when I touch it or bite down. Going to mention all symptoms to dentist on Thursday. Getting to the stage where I am going to ask for an extraction as its been going on since 20 December and xrays are showing no problem.

 

[Gordon]

Might just need the bite adjusted, let me know how you get on on Thursday.

 

[storm1]

Hi Gordon, went to see Dentist today she said can find nothing wrong with tooth/teeth. Tapped the filled tooth and those around it and all felt the same. Said if there was infection or micro crack I would jump out the chair. She said if it was causing a problem I could ask for it to be extracted. Thinks its dentine hypersensitivity. I explained was worse in morning like it feels swollen, tender and sticky and I said my jaw sometimes clicks and could I be bearing down on my teeth in the night, but strange only affects one side of the mouth. Upshot is to see if settles in a few weeks, if not try a night guard or extraction. Sorry it's a bit long winded.

 

[Gordon]

Buy a cheap gumshield like this: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Grinding-Mouth-Sleeping-Reusable-Guards/dp/B0D2LBX31Y/
and try that for a few nights, it might be enough to break the cycle for you.

 

[storm1]

@Gordon Thanks Gordon, you have been an absolute godsend through this. It's nice to know there is someone out there who you can speak to. I'll let you know how I get on with the gumshield you recommend.

 

[Gordon]

You're very welcome, I hope you get some relief, seems to have been a bit of an epic journey for you.

 

[storm1]

@Gordon sure has. You have managed to keep me sane though. Have a great weekend.

 

[storm1]

Hi Gordon. Hope you are well. Just an update. Back to dentist today to seek a second opinion as still in pain despite mouth guard. Xray taken and it now shows that there is a crack running all the way down to the nerve which was not picked up last week. Not suitable for a root canal. Booked in Wednesday with the surgeon to confirm crack and if agreed immediate extraction. Dreading it as apart from wisdom teeth when I was sedated, I've never had a tooth removed but know it will be for the best in the long run. Hopefully I will be pain free for my trip to Rome on 1st March.

 

[Gordon]

Sorry to hear the bad news. Cracks are so unpredictable, dentists hate them even more than patients do!
Getting teeth out is really not that bad, a lot of pushing and strange noises, but nothing nearly as bad as you've already had to deal with.

 

[storm1]

@Gordon thank you Gordon for taking the time to listen to me going on. I knew something wasn't right but the dentist said nothing found. At least I know it wasn't all In my head - slight pun there. If okay with you, I will let you know how it goes Wednesday as you have been on this journey with me.

 

[Gordon]

Yes, please let me know how you get on.