It has finally happened...

[Ian M]

About 30 years ago I had symptoms just like that. It went up the side of my face, very painfulI. I went to the dentist and after a tap with a tool said it had nothing to do with dentistry. (I wonder how he knew). He said see my doctor. I was referred quickly and a blocked salivary gland was diagnosed. (I think the backing up of the saliva caused the pain). A very small operation (inpatient) to relieve a "stricture" (fancy word for a narrowing) in the duct cured it. All on the NHS.How is the pain now?

I had a 'stone' form in one of my saliva glands last year. It made the whole of one side of my face swell up. It happened rather quickly as well, I had just started to eat lunch. A good old fashioned acid drop was enough to dissolve the stone. Spent the next hour dribbling like a goon for an hour!

Si, silly idea, but have you tried chewing gum? Also a gum shield while sleeping could help as it cushions your bite.

Ian M