You can never know when a toothache will strike. They’re the lightning bolts of the dental world—fast, instant, and impossible to predict. When they happen at night, it’s a worst-case scenario. Not only will you have to wait to schedule a dental appointment, but you have to get the night first!
If you need a few ways to ease the pain in your tooth so you can sleep easily, continue reading.
1. Elevate Your Head
When you have throbbing pain, one of the easiest ways to relieve discomfort is changing your sleeping position. Blood circulation is vital for pain regulation in your body. When too much of it pools in one spot it can cause swelling. If this happens in your head, it will make your toothache worse.
2. Rinse with Warm Salty Water
Salt has been used as a disinfectant for centuries. It has natural acid and bacteria-fighting properties that can help soothe an aching tooth. Mix a teaspoon of salt into a small cup of warm water and swish for a minute. This will break down food particles that may be stuck in or on your teeth and kill bad bacteria.
3. Break out the Dental Floss
Sometimes the source of an aching tooth is food debris stuck between your teeth or under your gumline. Using dental floss, you can gently work these food fragments out by bending the floss around your tooth and moving it up and down. Once the irritant is dislodged, you can rinse with warm tap water to clear away any remaining particles.
4. Use Over the Counter Pain Medications
Pain medications like Ibuprofen and salicylates (aspirin), cause an anti-inflammatory response in your mouth, and will sometimes be enough to quash the discomfort. Be sure to read the instruction labels carefully, and only use them as directed.
5. Use Topical Anesthetics
These are products that can be applied to your tooth and gums to numb the area and help you sleep. There are popular brands such as Orejel or even natural versions like clove oil that can be applied with a cotton ball. If possible, talk to your dentist about which of these products would be best for your situation.
If you’re suffering from tooth pain, you should call your dentist as soon as possible, especially if it’s been more than a couple of days. Toothaches can also disappear after a time, however, you should go to the dentist anyway and get it checked out. Never leave tooth pain to chance!
About the Author
Dr. Spiro Saati is a courteous and talented dentist with a long history of excellence in dentistry. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine at Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine and has expanded his skills through multiple professional organizations like the Pierre Fauchard Academy. To schedule an appointment at Dr. Spiro Saati DMD, call (978) 531-2185 or visit the website to explore other services.