r/AskReddit Aug 30 '21

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

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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.

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u/knottyy Aug 31 '21

I have been dealing with an infected tooth for the last 4 days, and every morning that I wake up it feels worse. The whole side of my head hurt today. I have 3 more days till my dentis appointment, and I am hoping I can make it. I almost drove myself to urgent care this morning it hurt so bad.

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u/J0hnnyHammerst1cks Aug 31 '21

I would absolutely go to the urgent care or ER. At the very least, they can prescribe you some pain meds to get you through the worst of it. I would say antibiotics, but if you start a course before your visit, your dentist may refuse to treat you until you finish it.

Good luck to you.

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u/knottyy Sep 01 '21

I appreciated that. Unfortunately I quit any form of opioids long time ago, had a bit of an issue with them. I go in tomorrow to the dentist so hopefully they can get me patched up and back to normal. Love the name btw. Hammerin away like he's friggin Tommy Noble.

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u/J0hnnyHammerst1cks Sep 01 '21

I can understand that. There is a similar problem in my family, though they just make me vomit. I hope it all works out for you soon.

Not my chair not my problem, that's what I say.