Toothaches can be caused by a variety of factors, and they can make it quite difficult to get a good night’s sleep. Unfortunately, the general quiet of the evening hours can make it easier to notice an unpleasant sensation in a tooth, and your nagging awareness of it can keep you awake for hours. If a toothache does not resolve itself within a day or if it is so painful that it interferes with daily life, you should call a dentist for an emergency appointment. Here’s how to get some sleep with a toothache before you call your emergency dentist in the morning.

Give Your Teeth a Thorough Cleaning

Sometimes, a toothache is caused by food debris caught between the teeth or stuck inside the gums. This is even more likely if you’ve been eating crunchy foods like popcorn recently. If your toothache is the result of stubborn food debris, brushing and flossing thoroughly can often dislodge it and relieve your toothache immediately, allowing you to enjoy a great night’s sleep.

If Your Toothache Persists After a Thorough Cleaning…

If your toothache remains after brushing and flossing, it may be caused by an infection or injury that requires dental attention. While it’s crucial to contact your emergency dentist as soon as possible, you’ll probably want to get some sleep before the office opens in the morning. A few tips to help you rest more easily include:

• Reach for over-the-counter pain medication. Aspirin, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen can provide temporary relief from a toothache. You might also try topical treatments like gels that are designed to numb the problem tooth. Be sure to read and follow the instructions on the label thoroughly.
• Elevate your head: Extra blood flow to the head can worsen a toothache. Let gravity lessen how much red stuff your head is getting by elevating your head with pillows and cushions. This can help alleviate a toothache.
• Refrain from eating or drinking acidic, cold, or hard items before bed. These can cause distress to sensitive teeth.
• Apply an ice pack before bed. Hold an ice pack over the area of the cheek covering the afflicted tooth. This can reduce inflammation and pain.
• Try clove oil. Clove oil is an ancient home remedy for toothache. Soak a cotton ball with this stuff and hold it over the afflicted tooth for temporary relief.

Don’t let a toothache cause you fatigue as well as severe discomfort. These tips can help you get a decent night’s sleep before booking an emergency dentist’s appointment in the morning.

About the Author

Dr. E. Charles Beliveau earned his dental degree at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry and has trained with some of the most influential and groundbreaking dentists of all time. He is proud to serve as a member of the American Dental Association, the Massachusetts Dental Society, and the Spear Education Faculty Club. His office in North Andover, MA offers general, cosmetic, restorative, and emergency dentistry. To schedule an emergency appointment for a toothache, dial (978) 687-5900 or contact the office online.