Trying to sleep with a toothache can be one of the most agonizing feelings. You can’t get comfortable, and you struggle to relax. The throbbing pain keeps you up at night, and you wonder if you’ll make it to morning. Instead of continuing to toss and turn, why not try these four helpful tips to get the rest you need without the pain.
What Can Cause a Toothache to Become Worse at Night?
If you have a nagging toothache that won’t go away, there’s likely a more serious issue than something simply stuck between your teeth. Dental floss can help to remove that particular problem, but pain that resides deep within the tooth’s layers requires the help of a trusted professional.
But if you must wait until morning to speak to your dentist, you may dread the notion of going to bed. So why does tooth pain worsen at night? There are several reasons, such as:
- When lying down, the blood will rush to your head, resulting in increased pain throughout your head and mouth.
- You may find that even a minor toothache becomes more problematic because your mind is focused more on the pain than trying to fall asleep.
- A sinus infection can create throbbing pain that often worsens when trying to sleep, as your sinuses can often become more clogged and congested when laying down.
- You may grind your teeth while you sleep, causing you to wake with severe tooth pain.
What Can Be Done to Relieve Tooth Pain in the Meantime?
If you must wait until morning to call and schedule an emergency dentist’s appointment, you’ll want to make sure that you follow these four helpful tips to get the sleep that you need:
- Elevate Your Head – To avoid throbbing pain caused by blood rushing to your head, keep it propped up when going to bed. This will prevent increasing discomfort as you attempt to fall asleep.
- Take an Over-the-Counter Pain Reliever – Don’t be afraid to turn to ibuprofen or another pain reliever. This can help to create enough relief that you may be able to drift off to sleep and not wake up until morning.
- Use a Cold Compress – If discomfort is too much, try using an ice pack or compress against your cheek. This will help to temporarily relieve pain so that you can get ample rest.
- Rinse with Mouthwash – Choosing a mouthwash that contains alcohol can help to numb the problem tooth as well as flush out any harmful bacteria that may be trying to further harm your tooth.
Don’t miss out on valuable sleep just because of a nagging toothache. Instead, try these helpful tips so that you can get the rest you need until it’s time to meet with your emergency dentist for further treatment.
About the Author
Dr. Milad Rabban has more than a decade of experience in dentistry and is a trusted dental expert in Clinton Township, MI. Completing her Doctor of Dental Surgery at the University of Detroit Mercy, she is patient-focused and delivers optimal care. When patients arrive complaining of a toothache, she can recommend various treatment options to improve the status of their smile and put it back on track. If you are dealing with an infection or damage, contact us at (586) 416-1444.