Problem: Article: Pericoronitis (the infection around the wisdom tooth) occurs when the tissue surrounding a wisdom tooth becomes inflamed and infected. It can be caused when only part of the tooth has “erupted” into the mouth, or if crowding near the wisdom teeth has made flossing and proper cleaning difficult. To figure out whether your wisdom tooth is infected, it is important to be able to identify the tell-tale signs and symptoms. Look for the following:  Bright red gums or red with white spots on your gums. The gums will be inflamed around the particular tooth. Moderate to severe pain in your jaw and difficulty chewing. You may notice swelling that looks like a small lump in your cheek. The swollen area may also feel hot to the touch.  An unpleasant, metallic taste in your mouth. This is caused by the blood and pus at the site of the infection. You may also experience bad breath as a result.  Difficulty opening your mouth or swallowing. This may mean that the infection has spread from the gums to the surrounding muscles.  Fever. A temperature above 100 degrees F (37.8 degrees C) indicates that you have a fever, which means that your body is fighting off an infection. In severe cases, the infection may be accompanied by muscle weakness. If this is the case, you should contact a dentist or doctor immediately. In some cases, the root may also be infected. If this is the case, your dentist will likely extract the tooth. Salt is naturally antiseptic. Using a saltwater rinse can help kill bacteria in your mouth. Add ½ to 1 teaspoon of salt to 8 ounces of lukewarm water. Mix well to combine.  Take a mouthful of the rinse and swirl it around your mouth for 30 seconds, concentrating on the infected area to kill the bacteria. Spit out the salt water after 30 seconds — do not swallow. Repeat this process 3 to 4 times per day. You can use this treatment in combination with any antibiotics your dentist prescribes. Depending where you live, it might possible to buy antibacterial dental gels at your local drugstore. These gels help to control the infection and alleviate any pain or inflammation.  To apply the gel, rinse your mouth thoroughly and apply one or two drops of the gel directly onto the infected area using a cotton applicator tip. Don't use your fingers to apply the gel as you risk introducing more bacteria. Apply the dental gel 3 to 4 times per day for best results. If you are experiencing severe discomfort as a result of the wisdom tooth infection, you can take a pain reliever that also relieves inflammation. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are usually available over the counter at pharmacies and drug stores.  Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), and aspirin are the most common NSAIDs. Do not give aspirin to children under age 18, as it has been linked to the development of Reye’s Syndrome, which causes brain and liver damage.  Acetaminophen (paracetamol) is not an NSAID and does not reduce inflammation, but it can help relieve pain.  Follow the dosing instructions on the packaging, or as instructed by your doctor, and do not exceed the maximum dosage. Keep in mind that each drug has its own list of side effects, so read the product advice information on the packaging before taking any medication. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor if needed. If you don’t want or can’t take medication, apply an ice pack to the infected area. It will relieve pain and reduce the inflammation until you can seek treatment. If the swelling is severe, seek emergency medical treatment.  Pour ice cubes in a plastic bag or in a towel. Press the bag against the painful area for at least ten minutes. You can also use a bag of frozen vegetables, such as peas or corn. (Don’t eat bagged veggies that have been thawed and refrozen.) It is very important that you schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. If you do not get adequate medical treatment for your infection, it could spread to other parts of your mouth and body.  Pericoronitis may also lead to other complications such as gum disease, tooth decay and the development of cysts. More severe complications include swollen lymph nodes, sepsis, systemic infection, and possibly even death. If your dentist is too busy to see you immediately, visit an urgent care clinic or go to the hospital. Many have emergency dentists.
Summary: Identify the signs. Rinse your mouth with saltwater. Use a dental gel to relieve pain and inflammation. Relieve the pain. Use an ice pack. Call your dentist.

Problem: Article: You and the pitcher are fundamentally a team within the larger team. To properly collaborate, you’ll need to forge real communication with the pitcher. Be sure they know your hand signs. In addition, know which type of balls your pitcher can throw the best. In many ways, the catcher is a defensive coordinator for the team. As a catcher, you’ll need to be able to effectively communicate with your team mates and to send them signals during the game. You’ll also have to be supportive and mentor weaker players.  Talk to your teammates before the game. Avoid making defensive success or failure about any one person. Encourage everything to work together as a team. To be a successful leader and catcher, you’ll need to observe and talk to your teammates to find out their strengths and weaknesses. Without knowing these, you won’t be able to mount a proper defense. Focus your attention on pitchers and basemen. As catcher, you’ll have a large responsibility in planning your team’s defense. You’ll have a say in which players are on the bases, you’ll be able to give your basemen a sense of where and who they should throw balls to, and more. As a result, take the time to reflect on your overall defense.
Summary: Collaborate with the pitcher. Hone your leadership skills. Educate yourself about your teammates’ strengths and weaknesses. Plan the defense.

Problem: Article: Don’t lie and say that your child didn’t have an event or performance. Simply say that you know that your spouse is busy and that you’ve become exasperated with his or her ongoing cellphone use during productions and didn’t think he or she really wanted to attend.
Summary:
Be honest when your spouse asks why you didn’t mention certain events or performances.