One of my molars is driving me absolutely batty. The gums are swollen and bleeding, and I actually feel pain in my mouth for once. Pain… in my mouth… that isn’t an ulcer; in spite of my poor dental health, that almost never happens. I’m booked in to see the dentist for this and other complaints later this month, so here’s hoping I survive until then. *laughs*

I actually should be able to cope decently. While it hurts a lot to brush it, I know that massaging the gums is a stellar way to work out mouth kinks and complaints. I also have more than adequate stockpiles of ibuprofen and Bonjela, and the husband is going to pick up some clove oil for me as well. Between those, it should keep the edge off enough for me to not go too crazy… I think.

What is likely to make/keep me crazy is wondering if it’s an infection, or if I’ve been grinding my teeth. If it’s the former, then no big deal – I don’t have any issues with root canals. If it’s the latter, I’ll be vexed – I don’t handle night guards that well, as I tend to choke on gag on… well.. everything. I suspect it’s a factor – while the bottom molar hurts the most, there’s an echo of pain in its twin tooth atop… sigh!

Ah well, at least it’s not teething. While the kiddo seems to have hit a quiet point (can’t tell if the ones working through are through or not; she won’t cooperate), I’m sure it’s only a lull. We’ll catch our collective breath, chuckle in nervous relief… and get hit by the next wave of JEEZ IT HURTS THE END OF THE WORLD IS NIGH as only a little one can exhibit. And no – even before my own touch of toothache, I never wished I could take the pain away and suffer it for her – she’ll just have to settle for a semi-sympathetic suffering instead.

<3