Sorry to say that my 2 adult daughters (with school-age kids) both suffering from

[elleng]

problem teeth, both in pain, one awaiting surgery (after inflammation subsides,) the other fears dentist. My poor'little' (not so much) girls.

[OAITW r.2.0]

1. That's sad elleng.

You hate to see your kids in constant pain. Teeth/gums can do it.

[SheltieLover]

2. Healing vibes on the way to them, Ellen

[Diamond_Dog]

3. Wishing the best for you all.

Dental woes are no picnic.

[summer_in_TX]

4. I can tell you hurt for them, elleng

Hope this is soon behind them and they feel better soon.

[hamsterjill]

5. I can relate to the fear.

I have a lifelong issue with needles and medical things. Luckily, years ago, I found a dentist who is willing to work with me when I have to have anything done.

One of the things that has helped me the absolute most is headphones. Not ear buds...big, old fashioned, ugly headphones that cover your ears entirely. I literally have an old cd player that I keep for this purpose.

Merely a suggestion at the off chance that it might benefit someone.

Wishing you all the best. It's a hard thing to know our children are suffering from pain.

[calimary]

6. I'm sorry they're both going through something like this.

Sending thoughts of healing your way. My husband went through some pretty fierce dental stuff, and it's really hard to accept that, unless you're an MD yourself, you really aren't sure what to do. Except just to be there with 'em while they're going through it so at least they know they're not suffering alone. If that's all you can do, then that's what you do. I sympathize.

[Dem2theMax]

7. Weird suggestion that has worked very well for me.

I've seen a lot of dentists over the years. My current dentist is the only one who has ever told me this. When they start bringing the needle towards you,
start wiggling your toes.

You have to concentrate to wiggle your toes. Takes your mind off of the needle. It actually works. I was at the dentist three days ago, being fitted for temporary crowns for my upper two front teeth.
Wiggled toes, temporary crowns are on my teeth!

[Skittles]

8. talk to the dentist about those fears

they can advise / be prepared

[progree]

9. I had a dentist, who prior to injecting, said "just a pinch, just a pinch". It was true, actually a pinch

Last edited Sun Aug 31, 2025, 02:10 AM - Edit history (1)

hurts quite a bit more. I no longer have that dentist, but that's what I tell myself as the needle goes into the mouth (or into my arm in the case of a vaccination).

About dental pre-injection numbing agents -- all the dentists I've ever had who have given me injections have applied a topical numbing agent first as a matter of course without asking first. Just part of the procedure. I've never experienced an oral injection without one.

Also, for toothache, until one can see the dentist, I found Orajel quite helpful. it's OTC, near the toothpaste.

[Hornedfrog2000]

10. You can tell them to wait between injections,

Or they can also do a topical numbing agent first, and then do the injections. I have to use articane to get numb most of the time. I tell them to give me a few minutes to let it kick in. Some people are kind of resistant to numbing agents.

[elleng]

11. THANKS all!

[no_hypocrisy]

12. Is there a dental school near where they live?

It's my understanding that you can get greatly discounted, if not free, dental care.

[elleng]

14. Have heard that, about dental schools. They live in different places, one near Philly, and one near me in

southern MD, the one near me is the scareday cat, and hasn't been to MY dentist due to fear. SHE's the one who needs encouraging. I may be able to get her to go. I was JUST in Baltimore for a neuro check up, and she may not want to drive there, takes forever! MY dentist is just 15 minutes from my house. FINGERS crossed that she'll go there.

[PJMcK]

13. Sorry to hear this, elleng!

Dental issues are painful and expensive.

Our best wishes, dear friend!