While the daylight hours can be quite busy and stimulating, the world tends to become much quieter and calmer at night. The lack of distraction this causes can make it quite difficult to ignore a toothache that seemed minor or negligible during the day, and this causes many people to lose valuable hours of sleep. Here’s a brief guide to how you can manage your discomfort and get some rest before calling your emergency dentist when their office opens the next day.
What Causes Toothache?
Toothaches can arise from a wide variety of causes, and a few of the most common include:
- A severe dental infection
- Gum inflammation around the tooth
- Teeth grinding
- Something stuck between the teeth
How Can I Manage My Toothache When I’m Trying to Sleep?
If your dental pain is making it difficult to sleep, the first thing to do is to give your smile a thorough brushing and flossing session in case it’s just a bit of stubborn food debris causing the problem. If this doesn’t give you relief, you can also try:
- Applying a little clove oil to a cotton ball and holding it over the troubled tooth. Clove oil is an ancient home remedy for toothache that can give you temporary relief.
- Using pillows or cushions to prop your upper body up when resting. This will allow gravity to slightly reduce the blood pressure in your pained tooth. You can also achieve the same effect by sleeping in a recliner.
- Using over-the-counter pain relievers according to the instructions printed on the label.
How Can My Dentist Help?
The best way to address your toothache depends on what is causing it. For example, your dentist may recommend a filling or a root canal if the problem is an untreated dental infection. They will also be able to remove any debris stuck between your teeth, and they can perform periodontal therapy if your gums are irritated. If you are grinding your teeth in your sleep, they can fit you for a customized nightguard that will protect your smile from damage.
Don’t let your toothache deprive you of much-needed rest. There are effective home remedies that can help you control your discomfort, and your emergency dentist will be able to help you find lasting relief.
About the Practice
PeaksView Dental provides outstanding oral healthcare to the community of Bedford. Led by Drs. Jay Owen, Rudy Wolf, Philip S. Walerko, and David L. Polk, the staff treats each patient with exemplary compassion and excellent customer service. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. If you’re wondering what to do if you have a toothache, contact the practice online or dial (540) 586-8106.