There’s nothing worse than an annoying, painful, and persistent toothache. Well, except when one occurs at night. Unfortunately, that means you’re stuck suffering until the morning since you can’t visit your dentist at 3 AM for treatment. Are you currently in this predicament? Here are some ways you can manage the pain to get a good night’s sleep.
Use Over-the-Counter Medication
Take OTC medications like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and aspirin to alleviate your discomfort. They can help reduce any inflammation at the site of the infected tooth. For some added relief, use numbing pastes or gels that contain benzocaine. The numbing agent will dull the pain and help you fall asleep more quickly.
Elevate Your Head
Try elevating your head on one or several pillows while you sleep. By propping it up, you can keep the blood from rushing to your head and mouth, preventing pressure caused by blood flow. Elevation helps minimize the intensity of a toothache, improves circulation, and reduces swelling.
Avoid Eating Acidic, Cold, or Hard Foods Before Bed
Don’t eat any acidic, cold, or hard foods right before going to bed for the night. They can trigger pain and aggravate any cavities that have already developed in your mouth. If you must eat, opt for soft, warm foods that are gentle on your teeth (i.e., applesauce or soup).
Clean Your Teeth
A toothache may make you reluctant to follow your oral hygiene routine, as you want to avoid discomfort as much as possible. However, food or debris left in your mouth could be contributing to the pain. So, before going to sleep, make sure you brush and floss your teeth thoroughly to remove any trapped food particles that are causing you discomfort.
Rinse Your Mouth
If you think you may have an infection, use a mouthwash that contains alcohol to disinfect your mouth and numb any pain. You can also use a hot saltwater solution to wash away debris and clean any wounds or sites of infection.
Use a Cold Compress
Apply an ice pack, or another cold compress, on your cheek over the area where you feel pain. It’ll help dull some of the pain, reduce swelling in your face or gums, and soothe the area for some much-needed relief. Try wrapping the ice pack in a clean cloth if it’s too cold to use directly on your face.
Contact Your Emergency Dentist Right Away
Remember, these tips are only meant for short-term pain management to help you sleep at night. Whether it’s mild or severe, no amount of tooth pain is considered normal. You should contact your emergency dentist first thing in the morning for treatment before your condition worsens.
Get some relief from that nagging toothache by following these tips. Before you know it, you’ll be sound asleep and wake up feeling refreshed and ready for a visit to your dentist!
About the Practice
Our team at Advanced Smile Design offers comprehensive, high-quality, and personalized services that the entire family can enjoy. We do everything possible to make sure your experience is comfortable, stress-free, and positive. We understand a toothache can be debilitating and happen when you least expect it. Luckily, we offer emergency services to provide you relief when you need it most. If you’re seeking treatment for a toothache, visit our website or call (215) 659-3334 to schedule an emergency visit.
