A toothache can already be bothersome during the day, but oftentimes it can get worse at night. This can make it more difficult to fall and stay asleep. Fortunately, your emergency dentist has some tips for dealing with the discomfort. Here are 5 basic steps you can take to manage your toothache so that it doesn’t prevent you from getting a good night’s rest.In this article, we will discuss…

1. Keep Your Head Elevated

Part of the reason tooth pain can get worse at night is the fact that the flow of blood to your head and mouth increases when you lie down. Thus, the simple act of keeping your head raised while you’re in bed can reduce your discomfort and help keep swelling under control. Try sleeping on a thick pillow or multiple pillows stacked on top of each other to ensure that your head stays in an elevated position throughout the night.

2. Use Over-the-Counter Pain Medication

Of course, taking over-the-counter pain relievers can also go a long way toward helping you keep your toothache under control. Ibuprofen and acetaminophen are both viable options for providing temporary relief from oral pain. Numbing pastes and gels can also be effective. Make sure you carefully follow the dosage instructions for your chosen type of medication.

3. Don’t Eat Anything That Can Make Tooth Pain Worse

Some foods are known to aggravate toothaches, particularly if the pain is related to a cavity. Before you go to bed, try to stay away from any foods that are acidic or cold. You should also avoid chewing on particularly hard foods.

4. Brush and Floss Thoroughly

If bits of food get trapped between your teeth, they can cause serious discomfort – which is the last thing you want if you’re already struggling with a toothache. To ensure that your teeth are free of any debris that could worsen your pain, always make a point of brushing and flossing thoroughly before bed.

5. Use a Cold Compress or Ice Pack

When you have a toothache, you may also experience swelling in your face and gums, which can contribute to your sleeping difficulties. However, it’s possible to soothe swelling by periodically applying a cold compress or ice pack to the area.

Bear in mind that all the tips listed above are only temporary solutions for a toothache. If you want to put a stop to your pain for good and protect your tooth from further harm, then you need to speak to your dentist as soon as possible; they can identify the true source of the problem and put together a plan for treatment.

About the Author

Dr. Dean V. Hutto is a graduate of the University of Texas Dental Branch in Houston, and he has had the opportunity to study under Dr. Frank Spear at the Seattle Institute as well as a number of other notable dental experts. He’s happy to accept same-day appointments for toothaches and other dental emergencies. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Hutto at Aesthetic Family Dentistry in Baytown, visit his website or call (346) 222-4970.