I broke a back tooth in half a couple hours ago. I don't have dental insurance so I can't go to an ER Dentist (can't afford it). I called my childhood dentist (friend of my parents) and he called in a prescription for me. BUT, he can't see me till Tuesday at 10:30.

My tooth, I assume is either infected, or the root/nerve is now exposed because air, hot, or cold kills. I have tooth wax covering it, I have pain meds and Meclizine (I get sick on pain meds). So far I have just taken liquid Tylenol to see if I can tough it out.

My problem - I know we aren't supposed to drink through straws because it causes you to swallow air - I am going to have to. Are there any tricks to keep you from swallowing air?

I have been leaning my head back and letting the liquid slide into the back of my throat, then swallowing. Does anyone have any experience they could share.

Since I have to chew everything so well if I eat - I will probably just go on liquids till after its fixed.

Thanks in advance for any help.

I haven't noticed any problem with a straw. The main reason my Dr. said to watch it was because of swallowing too much liquid at one time. So take in small amounts and you should be fine.

I also work for a dentist and if your Dentist called you in a prescription of antibiotics, they should help with the pain by tomorrow. That's if it is abscessed. Good luck with everything.

Kat

You've been banded long enough, just use straws. You swallow the air in the straw but you'll be able to burp and get rid of it. You're healed etc so it's no big deal for you, and some bandsters don't even have the straw restriction!

sorry your tooth hurts though. I know motrin is best on tooth pain but you don't want to take that on an empty stomach.

I can use a straw with no problem also. No worries! SS

Thanks guys - I figured it was okay - but I have been warned of swallowing air with straws.

This sucks. I hate going to the dentist.

I hope you are pain free soon!

My doc thought I was nuts asking about straw use...he's never recommended against it.

First off... I am so sorry you are in pain.

I have no problem with straws, and I have met quite a few other lapbanders who use straws on a regular basis.

julie

I haven't had any problems with the straw yet - thank goodness it isn't a huge bandster rule. I do think I swallowed the tooth wax when I was asleep last night.

LOL... I can't beleive you swallowed the wax!!! The warmth of your body temperature should melt it or make it soft enough to go through your stoma. What a nightmare. You poor thing. I hope all is fixed soon...

Luckily, I will have my tooth fixed tomorrow. The Dr. looked at it today and thinks he can put a pin in and crown it rather than doing a root canal WOOHOO! It is STILL going to cost 1500 bucks! Can you believe that? Oh well, it has to be done.

Thanks for all the support - hopefully my straw ordeal will be over shortly!

Wendy

Ouch Good luck tomorrow!