Imagine it’s late at night, your bed is feeling as soft as ever, and your blanket is letting you get all snuggled up. But you can’t seem to get the sleep you need because of a toothache that’s keeping you up. If that sounds all too familiar, you might want to consider calling your emergency dentist in the morning. A tooth that’s causing you trouble could be the sign of something bigger, like an infected inner pulp!
However, what is there to do if you have a toothache at night? Here are some easy tips to help you get the relief and sleep you deserve.
Sleep with an Extra Pillow
When you lie down, your head and mouth experience increased blood flow since your heart can more easily pump blood to those areas. It can make your toothache hurt a little more, so elevating your head can prevent and reduce some pressure, alleviating some discomfort and swelling.
Swish Warm Saltwater
Rinsing with a warm saltwater solution can help lessen pain and inflammation for a short while. You can simply add a tablespoon of salt to a glass of water, swish it around your mouth, and then spit it out!
Take Over-the-Counter Medication
Medications like ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) are helpful for more than just headaches. They can manage your toothache for long enough until you fall asleep.
Floss
In some cases, food may be stuck between your teeth and cause oral pain. You can gently floss the area and rinse it out to remove whatever is causing trouble, and it might even stop the issue completely!
What to Do in the Morning
While these tips hopefully let you get the rest you need, it’s important to remember that these are only a temporary fix. The root of the toothache still needs to be dealt with, so visiting your dentist can do just that. Many dentists have same-day appointments for emergency cases or have weekend availability for your convenience.
No one dreams of having a toothache as they are trying to get the sleep they need, but it shouldn’t be something that keeps you up! Follow these tips to help you through a night or two, but be sure to call your dentist so you can have a permanent solution to what’s been keeping you up at night.
About the Practice
At Rauchberg Dental Group, our team of skilled dentists is here to help you with your oral care. We offer a wide range of services that are fit for handling your dental emergencies, like a toothache that’s been working overtime! Our goal is to give you fast and pain-relieving treatment, so that you don’t need to count so many sheep to finally sleep. If you are experiencing dental discomfort, schedule an appointment or don’t hesitate to call us at (973) 718-9887.