Good morning from Ocean City, New Jersey! It is an absolutely beautiful morning here. I’m sitting outside on the deck of our rental house. The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and there’s a gentle ocean breeze. It doesn’t even feel terribly humid, although it must be. I mean, it’s the beach. But it’s shaping up to be a gorgeous day.
If you’ve been following along for a while, you may remember that the two other times we rented a house down here in recent years, we got really crappy weather for almost the entire week. This one is looking much better, and I’m so pleased. We were also able to coordinate with some of Paul’s family this time, so that makes it all a little more fun.
Of course, I’m spamming my Instagram story with pictures and quick video snippets, so if you’re on Instagram, you can follow along there.
In other news, my dental issues have not been resolved, and no one seems to know why I’m getting intense pain every time something hot or cold touches the top right quadrant of my mouth. The two teeth that have had root canals this year didn’t react to anything when the endodontist tested them in his office on Friday, so he thinks they are sufficiently dead.
Both he and my dentist want me to wait and see if it settles down, and they talk like I’m still having “sensitivity” because of the work he did up there this week, but I’m getting the exact same symptoms I was before the root canal. Nothing has changed, and this is far beyond “sensitivity” — it’s more like excruciating pain.
Fortunately, it goes away and I’m not in pain when I’m not eating or drinking something hot or cold. I’m getting used to lukewarm coffee and water, haha!
I can tolerate the pain and inconvenience for the time being, but the fact that no one seems to know what is wrong or how to fix it is concerning. When I get back from vacation, we host a big 4th of July/50th birthday party on Monday. And immediately after that, I’ll be shopping and covering the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, which is all-consuming, so I have no idea when I’ll even be able to deal with this tooth/teeth/situation.
If I sound like a whiny brat, I’m not saying all this to complain. Just sharing what is going on. It’s hard to think of much else.
Despite all that, I’m so happy to be here at the beach with my family, I’m thankful for the beautiful weather, and I’m going to just try to enjoy it and not worry too much about how I’ll deal with all this when I get back.
My daughter made cinnamon rolls before we left, and I think she’s planning to bake those up this morning, so that will be nice. Then we’ll probably spend most of the afternoon on the beach.
I hope you have a restful and very blessed Sunday!
74 Responses
I’m so sorry about your tooth situation. I know what it’s like to have a medical issue and not be able to think of anything else. I will definitely keep you in my prayers!!
Thanks so much.
So sorry about your tooth. Luke warm not good on a hot day.😬
Sorry about your tooth pain. I’m a dental hygienist & I’ve had a patient with the same problem…even extracted the tooth. Pain did not go away. Sent her to a neurologist and she was diagnosed with trigeminal neuralgia. Just a thought??
Ironic you should mention that. I was with someone last night who has that. I came home and started googling about it. I’m definitely going to look into it.
Ha, I was just going to suggest this too! I had just been reading Selma Blair’s recent autobiography, and she had mentioned similar symptoms and being diagnosed with this after some fruitless root canals.
Thanks, Mary.
Mouth pain like that is the worst so don’t worry that you are whining. I had something similar a few years back and it turned out I had a cyst in my sinus that was putting pressure on the roots of the teeth below it. An Ear, Nose, & Throat doctor found it by doing a CT scan of my sinus. Just a thought that it could be your sinus and not your tooth. Hope you feel better soon and hope you have a great time at the beach!
Very interesting. I also have a weird issue with ear pain that comes and goes, and it’s been getting worse recently . I wonder if the two issues are related.
Maybe see an ear, nose, throat specialist? Please put your health first, not after everything else. I know you know that, but dang how those pesky plans feel so immovable!!!
I have the same sensitivity with my teeth and the only way around it, for me is to avoid icy and hot and use Sensodyne “Repair and Protecf” toothpaste. After a few days things settle down. Have a good holiday.
I’m trying that. Thanks!
I am sorry that you are in pain. It is so physically draining and emotionally frustrating! Let’s see, many say red wine is suppose to be drank at a warmer temperature. It’s the only adult beverage I can think of. 💁🏻♀️
Enjoy the beach. I love the Jersey Shore.
Yep! I stocked up on that. 🍷
I’ve had 2 root canals & lots of dental work. When I get pain like yours my dentist always likes to wait bc things really do usually settle down so you are doing the right thing. Hang in there!
Let’s hope!
I recently had pain too. Made me want to not eat or drink! The dentist said the same thing….lets wait it out. I patiently did, and it took 3 months to go away, but the strange thing is, it went away almost overnight, after the three months. It was just gone. Thank god. Whatever it was, seemed like it was not getting better. Sounds like the same issue you were having. Be patient. It might just surprise you. On another note, I too am down the shore (In Avalon), besides Monday, you should have a BEAUTIFUL week! Enjoy those sunsets!!!!
Three months, wow!!! Here’s hoping this goes away faster than that.
So sorry about your tooth issues! Not fun on vacation or really anytime! Just wanted to say enjoy your time “down the shore”. I grew up going and miss it so now that I live in land locked Indiana. We do get to the Gulf at least once a year but there is nothing like the Jersey Shore!! Have fun😊.
Thanks you!
Sorry to hear about the dental issues( I’m home recovering from surgery/ had my gallbladder removed) and can’t wait to get back to normal life!! Boy never take our Health for granted.. right? Believe me …in my past I’ve had my share of teeth issues and so glad to be past all that! Hopefully when you get home they can do some more investigating and pardon the pun but get to the root of it!!!😉 Hopefully x-rays can determine what’s wrong! Meantime enjoy your family vacation and hope you have beautiful weather! 😀
Thank you. Feel better soon!
Ocean City, my favorite beach town! Enjoy the gorgeous weather, there’s nothing like salt air and the sound of sea gulls! A dinner suggestion is the Deauville Inn, just south of OC. Beautiful sunsets. I’m sure you’d need a reservation. The last time we went it was for breakfast. No sunset, but still a fun experience on the water. Looking forward to your photos!! Praying your tooth “settles down”. I have a sensitive tooth that did actually settle down in a week or so and now it doesn’t bother me anymore. Can only hope!
Thanks for the recommendation! We are planning to go out with extended family on Thursday.
And one more thing…..Be very mindful of the toothpaste you use while it works itself out. I was using Colgate Optic White Toothpaste and it messed my hot/cold up SO bad. I went to Crest Sensitivity and rotated with Sensodyne Pronamel. The toothpaste matters! You’d be surprised….Hope it gets better soon.
Thanks. I’m using sensodyne. .
I empathize with your tooth pain because I have had many dental issues myself throughout the years. I laughed when I read your solution was to eat and drink lukewarm items. LOL Maybe your mouth/teeth just need a few weeks to de traumatize from your dental work. I think a once read that lukewarm beverages are better for the body. Who knows; maybe you will begin a new health trend. Good luck with your teeth.
Thank you.
Jo-Lynne,
I am so sorry to hear you are experiencing so much pain. I hope your dentist can and will figure out what’s going on since it’s the same as what you were feeling before the root canal. 🙁
On another note, I hope you having a good time on your trip. I wanted to mention a few days ago I noticed you had your hair up and it looked really nice! I have the same length hair as you and when I’m home I almost always have it in a pony tail. I live in Florida so summer is pretty hot. I’ll take it though because we do have a swimming pool and the gulf to cool off.
Yes I wear my hair up a lot.
Hi Jolynne, has anyone suggested a night guard and or sensitivity toothpaste? Both really helped me!q
Yes I use both. This was a sudden onset of pain with hit and cold. It’s not just typical sensitivity, I don’t think.
I feel soo bad for you having to deal with tooth pain after you have done your best to get the problem taken care of.😢. Hopefully, things will calm down and you can get back to living without pain. Enjoy your trip with your family!
Would you be willing to share the cinnamon roll recipe your daughter makes?
Sure! Right here. https://tasty.co/recipe/tasty-101-cinnamon-rolls
She says for filling she does 1 cup dark brown sugar, 2 sticks salted butter, and 2 1/2 T cinnamon. She thinks it needs more than they call for.
So sorry to hear about your tooth woes and no, you are not whiny. Mouth pain is nothing to dismiss. I hope you have a wonderful vacation.
Thanks, Bev.
Love the beach! We live in eastern NC so the Outer Banks are less than 2 hrs away, can’t wait to go back. So sorry your tooth situation flared up again; just a suggestion and I’m sure you’ve tried everything, warm salt water swishes can sometimes help. Hope you can enjoy your week to the fullest!
Thank you.
Your time at the beach sounds relaxing! Have never been to that area. Also you have been talking a lot about your daughters homemade cinnamon rolls. Would she share a recipe and also how she transports them to be baked at the beach? Thank you!
Sure, right here. https://tasty.co/recipe/tasty-101-cinnamon-rolls
She says for filling she does 1 cup dark brown sugar, 2 sticks salted butter, and 2 1/2 T cinnamon. She thinks it needs more than they call for.
Maybe see an ear, nose, throat specialist? Please put your health first, not after everything else. I know you know that, but dang how those pesky plans feel so immovable!!! Enjoy the beach and time with loved ones.
Ps, I’ve had tooth extractions, root canals, and implants. No fun. dental things are my Kryptonite. It’s the worst so don’t think you’re whining, you’re not!!!!!!
Thank you! And yes, an ENT is my next step.
Okay… every time you mention the cinnamon rolls I salivate!! Maybe a post with the recipe?
I adore cinnamon rolls! Yum!
Here it is. https://tasty.co/recipe/tasty-101-cinnamon-rolls
She says for filling she does 1 cup dark brown sugar, 2 sticks salted butter, and 2 1/2 T cinnamon. She thinks it needs more than they call for.
So sorry for your teeth issues. I had this same issue a couple of months ago. I had a root canal done on a tooth that was having hot/cold sensitivity and then within the next day or 2 I was having the sam issue but a little worse. They were also having trouble trying to identify why but then I explained that the hot/cold sensitivity wasn’t immediate this time. It would take a couple of seconds after I drank something hot or cold that the issue would occur on this one so they kept testing my teeth and they started leaving the cold on longer and then we finally figured out what tooth was causing the problem and I had to have a 2nd root canal in the same week. One on Tuesday and one on Friday. Then it all got better from there so good luck to you. I hope they figure out you issue and you have a speedy recovery.
Yikes!!! I have already had 2 root canals in that quadrant so I certainly hope it isn’t the 3rd tooth causing the problem, but the two that have had root canals do not seem to be reacting to hot or cold anymore, so… who knows??!
I wondered if your dentist or endodontist mentioned prescription toothpaste for sensitivity? I use Colgate PreviDent 5000 ppm for sensitive teeth. It’s RX only and I get it from my dentist. It helps so much more than just sensodyne. Also have you tried rubbing the sensitivity toothpaste on your teeth and leaving it on? ( don’t spit it out) this especially works just before bed. It really helps your sensitive teeth. A trick my dentist taught me. Good luck. Mouth issues are so hard to deal with. Enjoy your vacation!
I used to use Prevadent, actually, but I haven’t really needed it in a long time. This is definitely something beyond typical sensitivity, but I am using Sensodyne, and I’m feeling a little better so maybe it helped.
JoLynne,
Sorry to hear about your pain. That sounds terrible.
Between the recovery from your surgery and the tooth pain, you have had a rough summer. Hope you are able to enjoy the beach with your family.
Yeah, I’m starting to feel like I’ll never be out of pain. But I know all this is temporary and it will get figured out.
I’m soooo sorry for all your pain. I know tooth pain is hard. Try not to think too deep into the what if’s. When you get back the endodontist will figure it out. You can go in and do root canal from the back end of the root if going into the tooth didn’t solve the issue. I had to have it done on my front tooth that the traditional way didn’t work. It’s been good ever since. I’ll pray your schedule will be able to be worked out for getting in. Sounds like with the 4 th party and Nordtrom sale you have a lot for sure. You are not weining. It’s what it is. I’m glad the weather is good there. I’ve never been in that part of the country. Looks beautiful. I live in NW Oregon 1 hr from the coast. Have a good day.
You should definitely visit sometime!
I’ve had sensitive teeth issues as well and it is frustrating. Hang in there. My family went to OC, NJ every summer for many years. Get some Johnson’s Popcorn…that shouldn’t cause mouth pain!
Oh yes, we will have to get some Johnson’s before we go home.
Sorry about your dental situation I have been there before starting when I was about your age…finally I ended up getting implants and I’m very happy with them. I’m 62 years old…
Ugh! I hope it doesn’t come to that.
I’m so sorry you are in pain. Just a thought but you might want to see an ENT since your sinuses are up there. Praying for healing and relief!
Yes I plan to do that. Especially since I have that unresolved ear pain that’s been getting worse lately. I expect they’re related.
Reading your blog I miss the east coast! I left the Atlantic to move to California because my kids are here. I also miss the oral surgeons we used to use. With the equipment they had they could pinpoint any issue. I won’t go into my dental issues, which for some reason, really manifested in my 50’s but my wonderful dentist never hesitated to refer me to the oral surgeon when he couldn’t figure it out. Years ago I was diagnosed with a sinus infection while on vacation. I endured a painful flight back to NY, saw my doctor who sent me to the dentist who then sent me to the oral surgeon where it was determined to be a wisdom tooth growing into my sinus cavity. I remember the surgeon telling me how tooth pain is difficult to locate because your whole mouth hurts when one part is the culprit. Not fun but I hope you find some relief!
Thank you. So many crazy dental stories!!
Ugh dental pain is so frustrating! I’ve had a couple of root canals & the endodontist had to give me a steroid because the pain lasted so long afterward. The steroid took care of it. I’ll be praying for a quick recovery & great vacation! You are overdue!
Yep. We already tried that, lol.
So sorry you’re having pain. I had pain like that on the left side of my mouth several years ago. It almost felt like lockjaw and the only thing that remotely helped was migraine medicine. Turns out, I had an abscess on my tonsil that was tucked away in a spot that wasn’t noticeable until I went to my ENT. I ended up getting a tonsillectomy. I don’t know if that’s it, but something to consider if you’ve still got your tonsils!
Interesting!
Hi Jo-Lynne,
I truly hope you get to read this and that it helps…
Has anyone checked your sinus above that quadrent of your mouth?
I had immnse pain in that area, Went to the dentist sure of an abbess or something I mean EVERY tooth in my mouth in the upper quadrant hurt My xrays showed no abscess, but my very observant dentist noticed my sinus was so inflamed that it drooped down over the tops of all my gumline (this showed on the xray, but hard to determine it was my sinus cavity) A trip to my doctor and some antibiotics and I was fine. Horrible horrible pain. Even now from time to time I will start feeling that pain, and an antihistamine will calm every thing down.
It’s worth a check, at least the antihistamine. Good luck hope this helps…
PS my husband had the same symptoms and did not take my advice, and talked his dentist into doing a root canal on a healthy tooth…stubborn…and come to find out sinus infection. The pain is incredible…
I have not but I plan to see an ENT when I get home. Thanks for the info.
It caused very bad ear pain as well that came and went without explanation. I did find that placing a heat pack on the side of my face with the pain helped considerably. Hope this helps you!
Thanks for the tip. I’ll try it.
Did they take a 3D scan to look for a root fracture? Cracks down through the root can be painful and usually have to be extracted.
I don’t know, but I’ll ask about that possibility. Surely they will try to rule that out when I get back and tell them the issue is not resolved.
Sadly, I’m just now catching up on my emails. Funny, I re-read the April Coffee Talk and saw that you had replied to comment about the band Disney trip. For some reason, I never see replies. I’m so sorry you are still having pain. I’m praying that it is resolved soon for you and that you are able to enjoy your vacation.
Thanks, Rebecca.
Why you don’t get a second opinion and visit other dentist? That is not normal, he is not good, I did struggle with dentists big part of my life and can tell you that your dentist is absolutely not to trust.It is not a issue to pray for its a decision to ask for a second opinion .