There’s very little worse than the pain of a toothache. Except having a toothache when you’re trying to fall asleep. If you’re suffering from mouth pain that’s keeping you up at night, here’s a few tips that could help you get the rest you need until your emergency dental appointment.
Keep Your Head Up
When you’re in pain, one of the best ways to distract yourself from it is to go to sleep. Unfortunately, however, when your tooth hurts, lying down can make it worse. This is because when you do, blood rushes to your head, intensifying the discomfort. Thus, try sleeping with it elevated on a few pillows, the arm of your couch, or in a reclining chair or bed.
Watch What You Eat
The food you choose could make your toothache worse, so be careful with your selections. Avoid anything acidic, cold, sweet, hard, or crunchy, especially right before you head to bed. Furthermore, be sure to avoid chewing with the painful tooth whenever possible.
It’s a Wash
While it’s not recommended that you use mouthwash containing alcohol daily (it can dry out your mouth and worsen bad breath), when you’ve got a toothache, these products can keep your mouth clean, and the alcohol can help temporarily numb your pain. Gently swish some around your mouth before bed for best results.
What a Relief
While they may not eliminate all your pain, over the counter (OTC) pain medicine can often provide enough relief to help you fall asleep. But user beware – just because they work doesn’t mean you should rely on them permanently. You still need to treat the underlying problem as soon as possible, so don’t cancel that emergency dental appointment just because your medication helps. Teeth cannot self-heal and thus leaving them unrepaired will only cause the problem to get worse.
Remember, if your toothache has lasted more than 24 hours, it is important to see a dentist as soon as possible. If you need to sleep before your upcoming dental appointment, try these tips for safe, temporary relief.
About Our Practice
At Lyndon Family Dental, Dr. Rinoldo and Dr. Reid want you help give you a healthy, beautiful, pain-free smile. If you are suffering from an uncomfortable toothache, don’t prolong your suffering. Schedule an emergency dental appointment with us as soon as possible. We are proud to offer same-day appointments and walk ins for emergency care are always welcome. To schedule an urgent appointment, please call us directly for faster service at 315-449-0711. We’ll see you soon!