A toothache can be troublesome enough during the day, but many people find that the problem gets even worse when it’s time for bed. Is the pain in your tooth making it hard for you to sleep? Until you can see your emergency dentist, you will need to take steps to keep your discomfort under control so that you can get the rest you deserve; below are 5 tips that can help.
1. Take Some Pain Medication
Oftentimes, pain relievers can go a long way toward reducing your tooth pain, thus making it easier for you to fall and stay asleep. Good over-the-counter options include ibuprofen and acetaminophen. You can also try applying a benzocaine-based numbing paste or gel to the area.
2. Make Sure That Your Head Stays Elevated
One reason why tooth pain tends to get worse at night is the fact that blood tends to rush to your head when you lie down to go to sleep. To mitigate this issue, it’s recommended that you keep your head raised when you go to bed. You can do this by sleeping with several pillows or one particularly thick pillow.
3. Stay Away from Foods That Can Make Tooth Pain Worse
When your tooth is already in pain, certain foods can aggravate the problem. Examples of potentially problematic foods include those that are hard, cold, or acidic. Take note of which kinds of foods seem to worsen your toothache and make a point of staying away from them as much as possible – especially at night.
4. Use an Ice Pack to Keep Swelling Down
Sometimes tooth pain is accompanied by swelling in the teeth and gums, which can make it even harder to get the sleep you need. Fortunately, you can reduce swelling by applying an ice pack to the area. Note that ice packs are best used for 15 to 20 minutes at a time.
5. Rinse with Mouthwash
In many cases, rinsing with mouthwash can help when your tooth is in pain. Not only can it help you find some temporary relief, but it can also fight any infections that might be contributing to your discomfort.
Naturally, all of the tips listed above are only temporary solutions for tooth pain. If you want to find truly lasting relief, you need to visit your dentist as soon as possible; they can identify the source of the pain and help you figure out the best way to treat it.
About the Practice
At Corcoran Privitera Family Dental, our dental experts will always let you have the final say in your dental care without trying to pressure you into getting any treatments that you don’t actually need. When you have a toothache or another dental emergency, we can set up a same-day appointment for you. If you’re interested in setting up a consultation at our office in Waverly, visit our website or call (740) 835-4698.