I really don't need this!

I would go to your outpatients, and scream loud and long.

Do you mean hospital outpatients? The nearest hospital with an A&E dept. is quite a way, don't know if I would feel confident driving there feeling like this.

Go on NHS Choices or ring your local Health Watch! We have a Dental Access Centre for iust such cases. Out patients might not write a prescription either unless there is a dentist around!

I think maybe you need to get back to the doctor then, and say it is an emergency because the pain is so bad. I had one years ago, it is awful. Clove oil helps for only a short time, lots of nurofen obviously, but if you buy a spray of Vick's Chloraseptic spray for sore throats, I remember using that to get me through the night.

It numbs the area.

I've phoned 111, they said to wait until I phone the dentist tomorrow if possible, but if it gets worse or the dentist can't fit me in, call them again.

Living in a rural area does have it's drawbacks. I wish Mr P was here.

Ring Health Watch and ask for their advice!

Looked on the Devon Health Watch website, only open between 9.30am and 1.30pm.

I'd say Health Watch is the best place to ring if the dentist can't see you - ours are mostly on the ball and local!

Whisky is good too!!

Not much point ringing them if they are closed kitty

No whisky in the house, only half a bottle of wine and a can of lager.

I meant in the morning phoenix!!

Just tried to send you commiserations and nothing happened - the little roundabout just kept going around and around....... So here's another try at sending (((hugs))) and some GN , best vintage, but non alcoholic just in case you need to drive.

I do hope you can get that appointment first thing tomorrow. It's high time your guardian angel got off her backside and started looking out for you.

This is appalling and I am angry for you! Your GP wouldn't prescribe antibiotics??? How are you supposed to get any?

I'd still say that A&E might be your best bet. Could you get a cab if you don't feel up to driving there?
Try phoning 11 again. Dental abcesses are an emergency in my book. I hope you get seen TODAY by someone!

Not much worse pain than toothache .
In the "old days" they would remove the offending tooth at home, which relieves the pressure on the infection.
Hoping you get some good attention soon.

Thank you all so much, I do appreciate your posts.

Rowan my GP did explain why they no longer prescribe antibiotics for dental problems, too much to go into here! Also the last time I had to get a cab it was from Holsworthy to home, a trip of just under 8 miles, and cost £19 (and that was over 2 years ago) our nearest hospital with an A&E is 25 miles away, so round trip of 50 miles.

Tricia luckily (?) it's not so much toothache as the whole of the left side of my lower jaw quietly throbbing away. Regular paracetamol is keeping it under control, although I do find myself looking at the clock to see when I can take the next lot!

Nfk , do you know, the you sent me has just magically appeared in the fridge! Something must have gone a bit awry, as it seems to have turned into half a bottle of proper Sauvignon Blanc!

Oh dear poor,poor PHO , just one damn thing after another.

I can only add what the others have said .

You do not deserve this !

I send many xx"s and ((hugs)) to you, I, know they are not a lot of help

but I am thinking of you !

Vodka is best! Use it as a mouthwash then swallow (shame to waste it)

So sorry for you, Phoenix. Did you know that for more pain relief you can also take 2x ibuprofen in between the paracetamol, up to 6 times in 24 hrs? As long as there is no personal medical reason not to of course! I have had several abscesses, they are not nice! I hope you get some sleep and it is sorted in the morning.

I agree with Galen about the Vodka. We discovered it by accident when I had a murderous sore throat so gargled.....and swallowed.

Hope you somehow get a decent night's sleep Phoenix A dental abscess is so painful.

Brandy to wash down the paracetamol was my medication of choice when I had an abcess in a wisdom tooth once. Oil of cloves is also surprisingly effective.

I think you have to be careful with Ibuprofen.

Can affect either the kidneys or liver !

Sorry to hear about this - hope you get it sorted in the morning. Can't believe GP made a diagnosis and refused to provide treatment - what barmy rules these are!

It could, of course, need draining which is why the Gp wouldn't want to do anything!