Getting plenty of rest at night is critical for you to thrive during the day. However, it can be difficult to get any sleep at all when you have a nagging toothache. Of course, it’s important that you see your dentist first thing in the morning, but how can you manage your discomfort until then? Read on to learn about some tips and tricks that others have found helpful at relieving their discomfort.
Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
Pain relievers that you find over the counter can be highly effective at temporarily reducing discomfort – including dental pain. Medications like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and aspirin can all be effective. Numbing pastes and gels that contain benzocaine can also help to dull your discomfort. Be sure to follow the package’s instructions when taking medications of any kind.
Keep Your Head Elevated
When you lay down flat, more blood flows to your head. This can intensify your toothache. To prevent this from happening, keep your head elevated as much as you can. You can do this by propping up your head with extra pillow or sleeping in a recliner.
Avoid Aggravating Foods
Some foods can aggravate your toothache, making it more challenging for you to get to sleep. Stay away from foods that are particularly acidic, cold, or hard so they don’t trigger any further pain by aggravating cavities or other issues.
Use a Cold Compress
Using a cold compress or an ice pack wrapped in a towel helps to relieve discomfort by constricting the blood vessels in the area it is applied. This numbs the area that is in pain. Cold temperatures can also help to reduce inflammation and swelling. This is especially helpful if your toothache is the result of an injury. Keep the cold compress on the area for about 20 minutes at a time.
Saltwater Rinse
Rinsing your mouth with salt water is an effective remedy that you can do at home. Doing so helps to wash away food particles that are stuck between the teeth and linger in the mouth. Salt water is also a natural disinfectant, so it can help to reduce inflammation in the mouth and heal oral wounds. Just mix about half a teaspoon of salt in warm water. Swish it around your mouth.
Until you see a dentist in the morning, try some of the tips lifted above. They might help you get some relief.
About the Practice
At Canyon Creek Family Dentistry of Richardson, Dr. Afshin Azmoodeh, Dr. Nidhi Sharma, and Dr. Michael Ahn work together to treat patients in the Richardson community. With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything they need under one roof. If you are experiencing a painful toothache, they would be happy to help with a same-day appointment. To learn more about emergency dentistry or to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call (972) 644-3800.