Very few things are worse than finally crawling into bed after a long day only to be kept awake by a raging toothache. You just want to drift off to sleep, but the pain makes it almost impossible, and you find yourself wondering, “What do I do if I have a toothache?” Basically, you need relief – now!
You should definitely plan on contacting your emergency dentist as soon as possible, but in the meantime, try these five tips for helping you sleep through a toothache at night.
1. Take an Over-the-Counter Pain Reliever
For temporary relief, you can take store-bought pain medication as directed on the label. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are often the best choices for tooth pain, as they can also reduce inflammation (and therefore irritation).
2. Use a Cold Compress
Wrap an ice pack in a clean towel or cloth and hold it to the side of your face for about ten minutes. Then, wait ten more minutes before applying it again. Repeating this process for up to an hour can numb your pain while also curbing any swelling.
3. Elevate Your Head
Try sleeping with your head propped up on several pillows. Elevating your head higher than the rest of your body will take some pressure off your tooth – sort of like how it would take pressure off your sinuses when you’re congested. This can improve circulation, decrease swelling, and alleviate some discomfort.
4. Watch What You Eat
Until you can see your dentist, avoid foods and beverages that might worsen your aches, like those that are particularly cold, hot, or acidic. You should also try not to chew with the same side of your mouth as your toothache. Depending on the cause of your pain, chewing with the tooth in question could cause more damage.
5. Rinse Your Mouth
If you have a mouthwash that contains a disinfectant (or, better yet, a numbing agent), now would be the time to use it. If you don’t, then dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in an eight-ounce glass of warm water and rinse with the solution before spitting it out. Not only does this simple home remedy work wonders for pain relief, but it also lessens inflammation and fights bacteria.
Call Your Dentist in the Morning
These tips can help you sleep peacefully for now but make sure to call your dentist as soon as possible – even if your tooth doesn’t hurt anymore. Toothaches often happen for a reason, and seeking care early minimizes the risk that you’ll need invasive or expensive treatment later on. Plus, you’ll be able to sleep much more easily the next night!
About the Authors
At NeoSmile Dental Care, our dentists – Dr. Poorvi Gandhi and Dr. Krunal Patel – are happy to provide fast emergency dental care to patients of all ages. We prioritize getting people out of pain, so we are almost always able to see patients on the same day that they call our dental office in Ambler, PA. If a toothache has been keeping you up at night, please contact us right away by calling (215) 631-8846.
