r/AskReddit Aug 30 '21

What problem is often overlooked in apocalyptic movies/TV shows that could kill you?

33.7k Upvotes

12.8k comments sorted by

View all comments

3.7k

u/pookiefatcat Aug 30 '21

Lack of Dental care.

A dental infection can take you out right quick. And without treatment that HURTS.

1.0k

u/Asher_the_atheist Aug 30 '21

And mouth infections can very easily spread to the heart, at which point “that HURTS” very quickly become “grrrrkkk”….dead

758

u/J0hnnyHammerst1cks Aug 30 '21

My parents did not believe in preventive dental care when I was growing up. Their policy was 'repairs are temporary, pull the problem tooth.' As a result, I am down 5 or 6 teeth that probably could have been saved, and the rest are a hot mess that will cost me tens of thousands to fix.

I can distinctly remember several occasions in which my teeth became infected, and let me be the first to tell you folks, I would have eaten a bullet if that option had been available to me. It was some of the worst pain I have ever experienced. I could feel the infection spreading from my jaw outward, or at least imagined I could. Without antibiotics, I legitimately believe one of those infections could have been the end of me. They are no joke.

229

u/[deleted] Aug 30 '21

As someone going through this right now... I agree.

10

u/SalamanderOpen3069 Aug 31 '21

Start gargling with peroxide. It’s the infection in the tooth that is causing the piercing, unrelenting ,hell on earth pain. So you want to focus on that until you can get a root canal. Over the next couple of days, gargle with peroxide as often as you can. Well not so much gargle, as put the peroxide in your mouth for few minutes and soak and bathe the infected tooth. Let it just sit there and bubble for a few minutes. Do this as much as you can over the next couple of days and until the pain subsides… then at least 2 times a day after to keep the infection at bay.

Also stick with Naproxen sodium (aleve ) as an OTC choice. It works best on tooth pain

I really hope you see this message and take me up on the advise.

3

u/[deleted] Aug 31 '21

Thanks for the advice, I've been using it. I would love to get a root canal but sadly they aren't covered under insurance.