Even if you consistently brush and floss your teeth twice daily to prevent dental problems, it’s still possible to have an emergency. For instance, you could develop a cavity somewhere difficult to see or access, resulting in a toothache. If you’re lucky, your troublesome tooth will make itself known during the day when you can call your dentist and ask for help.
However, many patients face pain or other problems at night when their provider’s office is closed. Unless your condition is life-threatening, you’ll probably have to wait until the morning to get help. Unfortunately, dental discomfort can keep you from a quality night’s rest. If you’re struggling to sleep with your toothache, read on to learn 4 tips to get you through!
Helpful Hint #1: Use Over-the-Counter Medications
There’s no reason that you should have to simply try to put up with the pain when there are easily accessible medications that can help address it. Usually, it’s safe to take commercially available options like Tylenol or ibuprofen to reduce throbbing or associated inflammation. You can also purchase numbing gels or pastes, like Orajel, that contain benzocaine. Applying a small amount directly to the gums around the affected tooth can provide a well-deserved numbing reprieve.
Helpful Hint #2: Elevate Your Head
When you lie down in a horizontal position, it shifts your blood flow and increases the amount of pressure in your head. This can exacerbate and intensify your dental discomfort. To keep blood from pooling in painful places, try propping your head up on several pillows so that it’s above your heart. This can also improve circulation and reduce swelling.
Helpful Hint #3: Rinse with Salt Water
Often, toothaches are caused by gum disease or objects lodged between your teeth. If brushing and flossing feel too abrasive or cause sensitivity, try rinsing with a warm salt water solution instead. This acts as a natural disinfectant to eradicate unwanted germs and debris from your mouth and can clean out any cuts, wounds, or sores. Plus, it also alleviates aches and reduces puffiness in your connective tissues.
Helpful Hint #4: Use a Cold Compress
Many patients find the relief they need to finally fall asleep by pressing a covered ice pack or cold compress to the side of their face for 15 to 20 minutes. This can numb the achy area and reduce swelling long enough for you to drift off, so you can get some much-needed rest.
Once you wake up in the morning, you can call your dentist for a same-day appointment to address the source of your discomfort!
About the Practice
At Palm Dental Professionals, you and your family benefit from a team of experts who work together to offer a full range of services at one convenient location. They take the time to get to know your unique needs and concerns so they can create fully individualized solutions to meet them. Then, they utilize state-of-the-art equipment to increase patient comfort while providing accurate, long-lasting results. If you have a toothache and need help, you can request a same-day appointment on the website or call (561) 404-4325.