Tooth pain

[SanG55]

I am tapering after being diagnosed with GCA earlier this year. I am on 20mgs of pred now and have had awful tooth pain in one of my back teeth which has previously given me a bit of pain and dentist wanted to see how it went. My whole mouth is tender and uncomfortable and I have pain up to and in my ear. Headaches come and go. I am away and not near my own dentist at the moment, not sure whether to seek out an emergency dentist or go to GP, any ideas from you knowledgable people? Thank you in advance 😊

[SnazzyD]

Can you describe the pain a bit more? Is it the teeth that hurt or the skin, the jaw joint or other? Is it all over or mostly one sided? Is any other part of your face outside the mouth affected?

When on Pred I had an issue with symptoms of dentine hypersensitivity due to the Pred. It was triggered by warmth and all I could do was sit holding my face until it subsided over a few minutes. I even had to eat tepid food only and cold tea. Do you have a clear trigger? Is there a time of day it is worst?

[SanG55 in reply to SnazzyD]

Thanks for your reply SnazzyD. The pain is worst in the tooth, particularly if I bite on it. My teeth don’t seem to ‘fit’ together properly and all are sensitive. I do have pain in jaw around that particular tooth and up to the ear. Funnily (or not) I haven’t had any hot drinks or food for the last couple of days(my choice). Paracetamol gives me a little respite of about 90mins. Tried cloves and Corsodyl mouthwash and toothpaste. Pain is pretty much the same throughout day and night. Anything with any sweetness tastes much sweeter than it should - I’m not a sweet lover, but toothpaste is tasting like a packet of polos! Thanks again 😊

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to SanG55]

Think you probably need an emergency dentist - if you can get appointment... if not then GP, who will probably suggest dentist anyway...

[SanG55 in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you DorsetLady

[SnazzyD in reply to SanG55]

Doesn’t sound like dentine hypersensitivity as it is too specific and constant. I agree with the others, dentist time.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Emergency dentist I'd say - because a GP will usually send you there too. If you are away - are you able to see your GP? If not - 111 for advice on emergency dental service or a doctor.

[SanG55 in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you PMRpro

[Hidden]

Give the tooth a sharp tap with the wrong end of a metal spoon or fork.....soon know if its the tooth or not.........

[SanG55]

Thank you Sillydogsmum

[Susan1705]

hi, before I was diagnosed with GCA in 2021 as well as the neck and head pain I also had really bad pain in my face on one side. I thought I had a gum infection and went to the dentist as an emergency. Had examination and x ray and she couldn’t find anything wrong. The next day pain got worse and my vision was affected and ended up in hospital with a diagnosis of GCA. You should get checked by the dentist, but could be a symptom

[SanG55]

Thank you Susan1705

[SanG55]

UPDATE on tooth pain. Finally had tooth extracted two days ago. Had tried 5days of antibiotics which made no difference to pain. Have another week of antibiotics after extraction and now feel like there is light at the end of the tunnel. Thank you for all your advice and support. Have a great holiday season whatever you celebrate (or don’t).