A toothache can develop for many reasons, and pain can vary in severity. When it becomes too much at night, you may wonder if there is anything you can do to achieve relief while you sleep. Since you’ll need to wait to call your emergency dentist in the morning, here are a few tricks to help alleviate the discomfort so you can make it through the night.
Elevate Your Head
When lying down, blood disperses throughout your body, oftentimes, rushing to your head. This can intensify your toothache pain, making it harder to fall asleep. Instead of allowing the blood to pool in your head, try elevating it with a pillow. This will reduce additional pressure and help you feel more comfortable before dozing off.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene Before Bed
Although your tooth may be uncomfortable, do not neglect your oral hygiene routine before bed. Brush for a full two minutes with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristle brush. Floss between your teeth to remove any food particles or debris that may contribute to your tooth pain, and rinse to flush away anything left behind after brushing and flossing.
Rinse with Warm Salt Water
Warm salt water is a standard recommendation from many dentists for patients experiencing oral pain. The reason is that saltwater can reduce harmful bacteria in the mouth and promote healing. By mixing one teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of warm water, you can swish it around for 15-30 seconds before spitting it out. This will alleviate toothache discomfort so that you can fall asleep.
Take an Over-the-Counter Pain Reliever
If you need an immediate solution for your toothache, take an over-the-counter pain reliever. This reduces inflammation and discomfort, helping you feel comfortable at bedtime. Just be sure that you take the medication as instructed.
Use a Cold Compress
Another way to alleviate tooth pain is to use a cold compress or ice pack. This will temporarily numb the area so that you no longer feel discomfort. This can give you enough time to fall asleep without being bothered by your uncomfortable tooth throughout the night.
No matter which method you use to address your toothache, remember to call your emergency dentist when you wake up. Their ability to schedule your appointment will ensure your tooth is fully restored and pain-free going forward.
About the Author
Dr. Praveena Muddana provides top-quality attention and service to all her patients. Leading the way at Sweet Smiles Family Dentistry, she provides emergency treatment to individuals who arrive with pain from injury or possible infection. If a nagging toothache is the issue, she can evaluate the underlying cause and recommend an appropriate solution to improve oral health. We encourage you to visit our website or call (414) 808-2003 if you need to address a bothersome toothache.