A toothache can be one of the most distracting types of pain, and it can seem particularly bothersome at night. It might rob you of valuable rest! Certainly, you should call your emergency dentist to request an appointment ASAP. In the meantime, you might wonder what you can do to reduce your discomfort and finally get some sleep. This blog post shares some tips that may help.
Keep Your Head Elevated
You may find that tooth pain intensifies when you lie completely flat. This can happen as gravity allows more blood to rush to the painful tooth. Elevating your head with an extra pillow can help reduce blood flow thereby easing pressure and swelling. You could also try sleeping in a recliner to keep your head slightly above your heart.
Use OTC Pain Medication
Over-the-counter pain medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can offer significant relief from nighttime toothaches. Take care to follow the dosage instructions on the package or as directed by your healthcare provider. These medications may be able to dull the pain enough for you to get some sleep.
Try Natural Remedies
Some people achieve comfort by using natural remedies for tooth pain. Rinsing your mouth gently with warm saltwater may help reduce inflammation and kill bacteria. You could also press a small amount of clove oil onto the sore spot with a cotton swab. Clove oil contains eugenol, which has numbing properties.
Make Careful Food Choices
You should avoid foods and drinks that are very hot, cold, sweet, or acidic, since these can worsen tooth sensitivity. Before bed, stick with soft foods and steer clear of anything crunchy that could irritate your sore tooth. Rinsing your mouth gently after eating can also remove food particles that might aggravate your pain.
Apply a Cold Compress
Placing a cold compress on your cheek near the sore tooth can help numb the pain and reduce swelling. Use a clean towel to wrap a cold pack or a bag of frozen vegetables, then hold it against your face for 15 – 20 minutes. If necessary, you can repeat this every few hours. Do not fall asleep while applying the cold compress; overexposure to cold temperatures could cause tissue damage.
Sleeping with a toothache can be tough! Hopefully, the tips in this article will allow you to finally get some shuteye.
Meet the Practice
At Harrisonburg Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we have great compassion for patients in pain. We strive to arrange our schedule so we can see emergency patients ASAP. If you are struggling with a toothache, give us a call so we can provide personalized advice and book an appointment for you. We want to help you find relief! Contact our office at 540-432-6616.