Teeth (TMI)

I have to say I never had this many problems with my teeth before than
in this pregnancy. The gum bleeding got better since I had a thorough
dental cleaning. I also bought one of those 'small head' electric
toothbrushes as recommended by my dentist (luckily they were on offer
for half price) and that makes it really a lot easier to reach my
small teeth.

But a few days after the dentist visit I developed what I can only
guess is an abscess on my gum. It was so painful and badly swollen
front and back. I was really worried because I don't really want to
take antibiotics in pregnancy (which seems to be often the course of
treatment) and I don't know how I could justify ANOTHER doctor
appointment at work this week. But I am also aware that these issues
can affect my baby...

I tried to keep cleaning my teeth thoroughly although it was agony.
And I used some gel for mouth ulcers which allegedly is save in
pregnancy and I already use the Corsodyl toothpaste and mouthwash.

One night early this week the pain was so intense at night that I woke
up a few times. I had had a paracetamol (first and only one since my
IVF treatment so far) earlier in the night and didn't want to take
another one. More gel didn't reduce the pain. My dear husband slept
peacefully through my agony. In my desperation I used one of those "in
between tooth brushes" to clean between the teeth (I bought them a
long while ago on dentist recommendation, but they are too big for my
teeth so the pack is still 3/4 full). I tried to get between the 2
teeth where the gum was swollen - it actually hung lower than the
teeth due to the swelling so I had to push up the gum.

It started bleeding like crazy but the pain got less and after the
bleeding stopped I was able to get some sleep.

The next morning it felt slightly less swollen but was still throbbing
a lot and hurt. I went to the bathroom quite a few times and just
massaged the gum. That hurt, but every time I did it there seemed to
be some disgustingly tasting liquid to come out. In the evening it
felt a lot better.

Since then it got better and better and the swelling has all but
disappeared. The gum still feels a little odd around that tooth (by
the way, I never had any toothache, otherwise I would have gone
straight to the dentist) but there are no longer pockets filled with
liquid, it no longer hurts and the gum is above the tooth again where
it belongs to. Seems I managed to open it and the pus (I guess) came
out so it could heal.

I hope that was my last escapade with teeth for some time.