Toothaches are one of the most common dental emergencies that afflict patients, with studies estimating that 55% of adults have experienced a toothache at some point in their lives. When oral pain occurs, you may not be able to get in to see an emergency dentist right away. When that happens, you’ll still need to fall asleep and get through your day, which can feel impossible if you’re in pain. Read on for ways to ease your discomfort so you can catch some z’s until you’re able to get in for an emergency dental appointment.
What Should You Do If You Have a Toothache?
If your toothache just came on, try gently flossing between your teeth in the affected area of your mouth. If lodged debris is causing your pain, this may be able to solve the issue so you don’t have to go to bed with a toothache. If your pain is persistent and won’t seem to go away on its own, you should contact your emergency dentist in Irving to schedule an appointment. In some cases, they may be able to see you on the same day. If not, they’ll try to get you in for an examination as soon as possible.
Home Remedies to Help Fall Asleep with a Toothache
If you end up having to wait to be seen by an emergency dentist, you can try some of these home remedies to ease your discomfort enough so you can fall asleep:
- Elevate your head above your heart by stacking multiple pillows. This will keep the blood from flowing to the head and mouth and worsening your pain.
- Soak a cotton ball in clove oil and place it onto the tooth in question. This is a natural way to relieve pain and manage your discomfort short-term.
- Rinse your mouth with lukewarm salt water to clean the area and help clear debris from around the tooth that could be aggravating the pain.
- Place a cold compress on the outside of your face on the side of your mouth with your painful tooth. Hold the ice pack on the area for 10 minutes on, 10 minutes off at a time.
- Take over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen.
What Causes Toothaches That Affect Your Sleep?
If your toothache is persistent, it may be the result of an infection or a severe cavity. It can also be caused by a sinus infection, dental damage, or progressing gum disease. The only way to know for sure what’s causing your pain is to see your emergency dentist for an exam. They will conduct a visual examination of your tooth in question as well as take any necessary X-rays, which will allow them to see the root structure and interior of the tooth. Based on their diagnosis, they can decide what the most effective course of treatment will be.
One small toothache that causes you to toss and turn throughout the night can snowball into a number of other issues. That’s why your dentist will do their best to see you for an emergency exam as soon as possible. Timely treatment paired with these helpful at-home remedies can allow you to carry on until you find the permanent relief you require.
About the Author
With his certificate in Level 2 sedation and over a decade of experience practicing dentistry, Dr. Rafiq Hirji has helped thousands of patients get out of pain over the years. He strives to see patients experiencing discomfort or sudden onset oral pain the same day they call so he can help them find timely and fast relief. For questions or to schedule an appointment, visit Daily Smiles MacArthur Dental & Orthodontics’ website or call 972-546-4114.