Many people looking forward to a good night’s sleep suddenly realize that they have a nasty toothache while getting ready for bed. While that would certainly be unpleasant at any other time of day, it can be especially distressing when you’re trying to get some sleep. Here are a few tips for getting some sleep with a toothache before you can call your emergency dentist in the morning.
Why Did I Only Notice My Toothache Before Bed?
There are many sights and sounds people encounter during their waking days, and this can provide a distraction from little nagging pains. When the world is quieter in the late evening, there is less stimulation that can draw your attention from an unpleasant sensation in your tooth. This makes it not uncommon for toothaches to seem to suddenly appear in the quiet hours before bed.
What Are Some Home Remedies for Toothache That I Can Use Before Bed?
Luckily, there are several home remedies that can make a night with a toothache pass a little easier. A few of them include:
- Sleep with your head in an elevated position: Increased blood pressure can make a toothache worse, so sleeping with your head higher than your chest and abdomen can allow gravity to slightly decrease blood flow to your head. This can reduce the discomfort of a toothache.
- Have a thorough round of oral hygiene: Toothaches can sometimes be caused by food stuck in your teeth or gums. Brushing and flossing can sometimes bring significant relief to a toothache.
- Apply clove oil to the tooth: Clove oil is an effective and all-natural pain management method for toothaches. Soak a cotton ball in this oil and hold it over the pained tooth.
- Rinse your mouth with hot salt water: Thoroughly rinsing your mouth with salt water can help eliminate debris and clean wounds or infection sites.
- Over-the-counter pain medication: Store-bought medicines like ibuprofen can provide you with temporary pain relief and help reduce inflammation.
- Ice pack or cold compress: Holding a cold object wrapped in a towel to the afflicted area can reduce swelling and inflammation.
These measures are only short-term solutions. If you are experiencing a toothache, it is important to make an emergency dentist’s appointment as soon as possible. A dental professional can determine the cause of your toothache and provide you with an appropriate treatment.
About the Author
Dr. Alberto Lamberti has a decade of experience helping people build and maintain happy, healthy smiles. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston, where he remained to complete a Fellowship in Implant Dentistry. Now, he offers a comprehensive array of services to meet all your dental needs. He combines a caring approach with state-of-the-art technology to provide lifelike restorations to rebuild your smile. You can request an appointment on the website or call (561) 338-7535.