Having a toothache can be hard enough during the day, but when it comes time to head to bed, it can go from bad to worse. If you’ve got dental pain that’s keeping you up at night, here are five quick tips to help you get the sleep you need until your emergency dental appointment!
Keep Your Head Elevated
When your tooth hurts, sleeping through the pain seems like an excellent idea. Unfortunately, however, getting there can be easier said than done. That’s because when you lie down, your blood rushes to your head. Normally, you probably wouldn’t notice it, but when you have a toothache, this can make the pain more intense. To remedy this, sleep with your head elevated under a few pillows, or use a reclining bed or chair to keep it positioned above your feet while you rest.
Mindful Eating
Believe it or not, the food you eat can make an impact on your toothache, so choose carefully. Try to avoid anything that is acidic, sweet, cold, or too hard or crunchy, especially right before bedtime. Also, avoid chewing on the side of your mouth that is experiencing pain if possible.
Mouthwash Magic
While you should not use mouthwash that contains alcohol every day (it can dry out your mouth and cause bad breath) these products can help when you have a toothache. Not only can it gently clean your teeth and gums, but the alcohol can help numb your pain temporarily. To use it, just gently swish some around right before you head to bed.
OTC Pain Relievers
Over the counter (OTC) pain relievers are often enough to help get some much-needed relief so you can fall asleep, but no matter how well they work, don’t rely on them as a cure. They are only meant to be used temporarily, and it is still extremely important to have your toothache evaluated by your dentist as soon as possible. Leaving it untreated could cause it to worsen and infections can even spread to other teeth and throughout the body!
Remember, any toothache that has lasted longer than 24 hours should be treated by a dentist as soon as possible. If you need to sleep before your emergency dental appointment, try these five tips to help you get the rest you deserve.
About Our Practice
At Healthy Smiles Dental Care, we are here for you whether you need a routine checkup, a cosmetic treatment, or you’re suffering from a painful dental emergency. When you’ve got a toothache, don’t wait to get help. Every second matters and failing to treat infections or cavities usually results in them getting worse, not better. To ease your pain and get back to feeling great again, schedule an emergency dental appointment today by calling us directly at 231-563-6878.