Toothaches Can Be Especially Bad at Night; Here’s How to Get Some Sleep

Toothaches can be caused by many factors and vary considerably in severity. They can also become much harder to ignore when the world quiets down at night, which makes it quite difficult to sleep. Fortunately, there are a few home remedies you can use to reduce your discomfort and get some much-needed shuteye. Here’s a quick guide to the best ways to handle a toothache at night from your emergency dentist.

Why Are Toothaches Harder to Ignore at Night?

The daylight hours are usually quite busy with the sights and sounds of getting ready for the day, navigating traffic, working or studying, and interacting with peers and loved ones, but things tend to get a lot quieter after dark. This lack of stimulation can make a toothache much more difficult to ignore when one is trying to sleep, which can set a person up to be groggy, grouchy, and tired the next day.

How Can I Treat a Toothache So I Can Get Some Sleep?

Luckily, there are a few effective home remedies for toothache. You may be able to reduce your dental pain by:

• Thoroughly brushing and flossing to eliminate stubborn bits of debris that may be lodged between your teeth.
• Using over-the-counter pain medication or an oral analgesic.
• Soaking a cotton ball in clove oil and holding it over the afflicted tooth.
• Applying a cold compress or heating pad to the cheek.
• Using pillows or cushions to prop up your head when you rest. This will allow gravity to reduce the blood pressure in the afflicted tooth, which can relieve some of its stress.
• Sleeping in a recliner to keep your head in an elevated position.
• If you like sleeping with the TV on, this may help distract you from your discomfort. Using the sleep timer function may make staying asleep easier.

If your toothache persists for more than a day, it’s best to call your emergency dentist to schedule an appointment.

How Can My Emergency Dentist Help?

Your emergency dentist can effectively treat a persistent toothache after determining what is causing it. In some cases, the problem can be resolved with periodontal therapy, dental fillings, or root canals. However, a tooth that cannot be saved will have to be extracted to end pain and prevent potentially dangerous secondary infections. You can rest assured that whatever your dentist recommends will be the best choice for your oral health.

Don’t let a toothache deprive you of the sleep you need to feel good and be successful. Consulting with your dentist can help you understand the best ways to prevent or resolve painful oral infections.

About the Practice

Bear Creek Family Dentistry offers the finest oral health services in Dallas, Arlington, Mesquite, Grapevine, and Fort Worth. Led by Dr. Bob E. Tafel, the staff treats each patient with compassion and kindness while maintaining a clean and welcoming office environment. The Love Field location offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. If you have a toothache, contact the office online or dial (214) 350-5333.