Concerns Regarding My Boyfriend's Wisdom Teeth Pain
I'm posting on behalf of my boyfriend (23M) since he's not familiar with Reddit. He has secured a dental appointment, but unfortunately, it's not until six days from now, and he’s concerned there might be an infection. He recently experienced a sharp pain on the upper left side of his mouth that he describes as a stinging discomfort, particularly exacerbated when he moves his jaw. During his last visit to the dentist, X-rays revealed that all of his wisdom teeth are positioned at a 90-degree angle, indicating that they will need to be extracted if they begin to erupt. Should we be worried about this situation? Also, are there any precautions he should take or actions to alleviate the pain until his dental appointment arrives? Thank you!
Answers (1)
4/23/2025, 3:40:39 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about your boyfriend's wisdom teeth pain, especially with the potential for infection. While the wait for his dental appointment may seem long, there are steps your boyfriend can take to manage his discomfort and minimize any risks.
Main Points:
- Sharp pain and discomfort can indicate issues with wisdom teeth.
- Monitoring for infection symptoms is important.
- There are self-care steps to alleviate pain until the dental visit.
Explanation:
Wisdom teeth, especially when positioned at a 90-degree angle, can cause pain due to pressure on surrounding teeth or gum inflammation. The sharp, stinging discomfort he's experiencing could be related to the teeth pushing against the jaw or potential gum irritation. While it’s good that he has an appointment lined up, being watchful for signs of infection is crucial. Symptoms of an infection may include increased swelling, worsening pain, fever, or pus.
Next Steps:
-
Pain Management:
- Encourage him to take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, following the recommended dosages on the packaging to help alleviate discomfort.
- Applying a cold compress to the outside of the cheek where the pain is located can help reduce swelling and numb the area.
-
Maintain Oral Hygiene:
- Encourage him to gently rinse his mouth with warm salt water several times a day to keep the area clean and help reduce inflammation. To make the rinse, dissolve about half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water.
- Remind him to continue with regular brushing and flossing but to avoid the painful area if it is too sensitive.
-
Monitor Symptoms:
- Keep an eye on any changes, particularly if he develops new symptoms like swelling, fever, or increased pain. If any of these occur, seeking immediate dental care would be necessary.
-
Soft Diet:
- Suggest he eat softer foods that require less chewing, such as yogurt, smoothies, or mashed potatoes, to avoid aggravating the tender area.
These steps can help manage his discomfort while awaiting his dental appointment. If you have further questions or need additional assistance, feel free to ask!
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