After finishing your nighttime routine, you shut off the lights and snuggle in bed, ready to drift off into dreamland. Then, it hits you – a sharp, painful, and persistent toothache. You quickly realize that unless you do something about it, there’s no way you’re falling asleep now. While you may not be able to get rid of it completely, here are some tips for managing the pain to help you catch some z’s.
Take Over-the-Counter Medication
Taking over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), acetaminophen (Tylenol), and aspirin, can help alleviate some of the pain from a toothache. They can help reduce inflammation at the site of an infected tooth. If that’s not cutting it for you, try using numbing pastes or gels that contain benzocaine. They can dull the pain just enough to help you fall asleep!
Keep Your Head Elevated
Don’t lie completely flat on your back! Try elevating your head with one or more pillows while you sleep. This technique keeps the blood from rushing to your head. If you fail to keep it elevated, the blood will pool in your head and intensify the toothache.
Don’t Eat Acidic, Cold, or Hard Foods Before Bed
Before going to bed, avoid eating any acidic, cold, or hard foods. They can trigger pain and aggravate any cavities that might have already formed. Instead, eat soft, warm foods that are easy on your teeth, like applesauce or soup.
Clean Your Teeth
The last thing on your mind when suffering from a toothache is brushing and flossing. While you may be reluctant to follow your oral hygiene routine, doing so can help alleviate some of your pain. Before going to sleep, make sure you brush and floss your teeth thoroughly to remove any trapped food particles that could be contributing to your discomfort.
Rinse Your Mouth
Do you think you have an infection? Use a mouthwash that contains alcohol to help disinfect your mouth and numb any pain. You can also use a hot saltwater solution to eliminate debris and keep any wounds or sites of infection clean.
Use a Cold Compress
Wrap an ice pack, or another cold compress, in a towel and place it on your face over the area where you feel pain. It will help alleviate some discomfort, reduce swelling in your face and gums, and soothe the area so you can rest.
Call Your Emergency Dentist As Soon As Possible
It’s worth noting that the tips given above are only meant to provide you with enough relief to help you sleep through the night. First thing in the morning, you should contact your emergency dentist and seek treatment before your condition worsens. No amount of tooth pain is considered normal, no matter how mild, and requires dental attention.
Now that you know how to get relief from that nagging toothache, you can fall asleep and wake up feeling rested and ready to see your dentist!
About the Practice
At Zahner Dental, we’re proud to say we have perfected the blend of old-fashioned hospitality with high-quality, state-of-the-art dentistry. We strive to build long-lasting and meaningful relationships with every patient that walks through our door. If you have a persistent toothache that’s been keeping you up at night, contact our team right away for urgent dental care. To schedule an emergency visit, visit our website or call (860) 870-9031.