Having a toothache at night can be a miserable experience. The nagging and throbbing pain can leave you desperate for sleep and relief from the discomfort. Unfortunately, when these situations arise, you usually need to wait until morning before calling and scheduling an appointment to see your dentist. But what can you do in the meantime? Here are 3 tips that will help you get back to sleep even while dealing with a problematic and painful tooth.
The Reason For Your Toothache
Toothaches don’t just occur at designated times throughout the day. They can pop up anytime and leave you looking for a quick fix to get rid of the pain. Whether you have neglected your oral hygiene routine, resulting in gum disease or an infection, you’ve suffered serious dental trauma, or you’re experiencing severe sinus congestion, tooth pain can be the most noticeable when trying to sleep. Why? Let us explain:
Anytime you forgo brushing or flossing your teeth at night, you run the risk of food particles becoming lodged. As a result, it can cause irritation and pain to form, making it increasingly difficult to sleep. To remedy this situation, it is best if you take the time to practice good oral habits before bed and clear your mouth of any potentially harmful debris.
You might also be experiencing a high level of stress at home or job, causing you to grind or clench your teeth. Also known as bruxism, this common condition can wear down your tooth enamel and cause chronic jaw pain. If a cavity already exists and you continue to grind your teeth, you will notice the pain becoming much worse over time.
3 Tips to Getting the Sleep You Need While Battling a Toothache
You’ll need to wait to call your dental team in the morning if your toothache occurs overnight. To avoid looking and feeling like a zombie the next day, there are three things you can do to not only get the rest you need but also combat a painful tooth, such as:
- Place a cold compress against your cheek on the side of your mouth where the toothache exists. This will alleviate any swelling or pain you may be experiencing by numbing the area, even if only for a temporary amount of time.
- Don’t be afraid to take an over-the-counter pain reliever. Some toothaches can be much worse than others, which is why it’s important to keep ibuprofen or Tylenol nearby. You will just need to be sure that you do not take more than is recommended. In little time, you will find yourself drifting off to sleep because the pain has subsided.
- Make sure your head remains elevated throughout the night. In doing so, you will keep blood from reaching your head and reduce the potential for intense pressure placed on your tooth.
Getting the help you need from a qualified dentist is important, so make sure you contact your dental office first thing in the morning. In the meantime, by following these simple rules, you can reduce the amount of pain you’re experiencing while achieving better sleep throughout the night.
About the Author
Dr. Tommy Murph attended the Medical University of South Carolina, earning his Doctor of Dental Medicine. Since then, he has completed over 600 hours of continuing education courses, including state-of-the-art training in Trinon Dental Implants and orthodontics. At American Dental, he and his team are equipped to provide same-day appointments for patients experiencing dental emergencies. No matter the problem, he can help you achieve relief from the pain and address the root of the problem so you can get back to resuming normal activities as soon as possible. If you are suffering from a nagging toothache and need assistance, contact us at (843) 488-4357.