If you’ve ever had a toothache, you know how difficult it can be to function throughout the day. Normal everyday things like eating lunch with friends and performing your oral hygiene routine can feel uncomfortable. Toothaches can also feel more intense at night and make it difficult to get restful sleep. So, what can you do to lessen discomfort and get some sleep until your dentist can see you? Read on to find out why toothaches seem to be worse in the evening and temporary fixes to help you sleep through the night until your dentist can see you.
Why Toothaches Are More Noticeable at Night
There are a few reasons why toothaches are more obvious during the nighttime. One reason is sleep bruxism. This condition is characterized by unconsciously grinding or clenching your teeth, which further intensifies an existing toothache. Laying down also intensifies blood flow to the head. This puts extra pressure on sensitive areas in the mouth and compounds the throbbing feeling of a toothache even more.
6 Tips for Sleeping Through the Night with a Toothache
Getting enough sleep improves your mood, helps you concentrate, and even gives your immune system a boost. If you have a toothache, make an appointment to see your dentist as soon as possible so they can get to the root of the problem and you can get better sleep. Until they’re able to see you, a few ways to sleep soundly with a toothache include:
- Elevate your head – Sleeping with your head propped up can keep blood from rushing to your head and worsening the toothache.
- Practice good oral hygiene – Brush your teeth once in the morning and once before bed with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Floss after dinner to remove debris that can’t be removed by brushing to lessen your chances of developing cavities, which can be accompanied by severe tooth pain.
- Take pain medication – Take over-the-counter pain medicine as directed to temporarily ease tooth pain. Ask your dentist if it’s okay before you take something new.
- Rinse your mouth –Mix ½ a teaspoon of salt to eight ounces of warm water and gargle with it to reduce discomfort.
- Use a cold compress – Wrap an ice pack in a towel and apply it to the cheek or gums in the area of the toothache. This will numb the area to lessen the pain as well as help reduce inflammation.
- Avoid certain foods – Sweet, acidic, and overly hot or cold foods and drinks can intensify your toothache. Avoid consuming these things before bed until your dentist corrects the issue.
As unpleasant as toothaches can be, having one doesn’t mean you have to lose sleep. With these six tips, you’ll be able to get the rest you need until your dentist can fix your smile!
About the Author
If you have a toothache that needs treating, you’ve come to the right place. Magnolia Shores Family Dental offers emergency dentistry to correct unexpected oral health issues and protect your mouth from harm. They can also offer you tips on how to get a restful night of sleep until you can have your toothache treated. Visit Magnolia Shores Family Dental’s website or call their office at (336) 644-2770 for more information on how to sleep through the night when you have a toothache or to make an appointment.