Water doesn't quench my thirst!

[Bambiagain]

I've got a tooth problem at the moment - have a date for surgery on the root but it's in the new year (my choice as I don't want to miss the parties over Christmas!). I had a cold, which I am told probably triggered the problem, and since then I get intermittent searing agony which, fortunately, doesn't last too long. Maximum of a couple of hours or so, which I am living with. The trigger is eating or drinking, so I am avoiding things that might set it off wherever I can. This includes hot and/or sweet things. So for the last three weeks or so I have drunk only a glass of juice for breakfast and water the rest of the day. But I am now always thirsty. However much water I drink it doesn't do the trick. What could be the reason for this? I am absolutely not diabetic - recent blood tests show a sugar level of 5 or less. I have had a course of antibiotics which hasn't helped the pain at all. Any ideas?

[Mosaic]

Could it be that your mouth and tongue feel a bit 'woolly', or are you parched? I understand you probably don't feel like fiddling about much with your mouth, but maybe brushng your teeth and tongue a couple of times in the day might help? if you were suffering from too little water, I'm sure there'd be other symptoms. eg if you are urinating normal amounts, you aren't dehydrated.

[Bambiagain]

I'm brushing my teeth every time I eat in order to minimise the risk of the pain recurring, but my mouth isn't feeling "woolly", it's just that I'm thirsty. Everything else is quite normal.

[Sqad]

<<<<The trigger is eating or drinking, so I am avoiding things that might set it off wherever I can.<<<<

<<So for the last three weeks or so I have drunk only a glass of juice for breakfast and water the rest of the day.<<

Quite naturally. you are reducing the amount that you eat and drink for fear of starting off the pain and although it does inconvenience you, it is important that you drimk plenty and eat normally.

So the answer to your question is.....you are not taking in enough fluid either by drinks or food.

[woofgang]

"straight" water doesn't hydrate as well as water with salt and sugar...try adding a little sugar or sweetening to the water (not artificial sweetener) and taking something slightly salty with it. ratio should be a level teaspoon of sugar (around 5 calories if you are using squash) and a small pinch of salt, so a couple of crackers or one or two crisps. to a pint of water.

[woofgang]

PS suck the liquid through a straw to avoid the painful tooth.

[Bambiagain]

Thanks. Certainly I feel sort of unsatisfied with straight water and I have been avoiding sugar. The straw idea is probably the best, then as Woofgang says I shall avoid the tooth in question.