How To Get Rid Of A Toothache At Night

A toothache can be a very disruptive and painful experience, especially at night when you’re trying to get some rest and you cannot get any assistance from dental experts. If your toothache persists for more than a night or is accompanied by swelling, fever, and other symptoms, you should see a dentist as soon as possible. 

When it comes to severe pain, a toothache dentist can help you understand the cause and recommend adequate treatment, including extracting a tooth, filling a cavity, or recommending antibiotics.

However, that’s not all! So continue reading as we explore the different aspects of getting rid of a toothache at night or any other day. 

Your DIY To A Severe Toothache

If a cavity or other dental issue causes toothache, you can use a non-prescribed pain reliever such as acetaminophen. These medications can help to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. It is always advisable to follow the instructions on the label and not take more than the recommended dose. However, it is always better to follow through with a toothache dentist before taking the medication to avoid any severe side effects. 

Causes of toothache

Tooth decay is the primary cause of toothache, and it may also lead to cavities if treatment is not received correctly at the right time. Other potential causes of toothache may include upcoming wisdom teeth, food stuck in the teeth, and gum disease. Losing a filling, trauma of the jaw, dental abscesses, and, majorly, it is caused by grinding the teeth at night. 

Why Does A Toothache Hurt The Most At Night?

Toothache is always painful, but people feel the pain more at night because when a person lies down, the blood rushes to the head, and this extra blood increases the pain and the pressure in the area, which comes out in the form of toothache. 

People also may feel more pain at night because of fewer distractions, and their full attention is on the toothache. Overall, a toothache can be a harrowing and disruptive experience, especially at night. 

Following these steps and seeing a dentist as needed can relieve the pain and get some much-needed rest.

1. Use lukewarm salt water:

Saltwater can help reduce the inflammation and swelling in the area around your tooth, providing some relief from pain. Start by rinsing your mouth with warm salt water, mixing a cup of warm water with half a teaspoon of salt, and again rinsing your mouth with the solution for about a minute. 

2. Opt for pain relievers:

The dentist may not advise this, but you can take non-prescribed pain relievers. These products, available at most drugstores, contain a numbing agent that can help temporarily relieve toothache pain, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like acetaminophen and ibuprofen, which can help to reduce pain and inflammation. To be safer, always follow the dosage instructions available on the packaging and do not use these products for more than a few days.

3. Use a cold compress:

Most people find relief when they apply a cold compress on the outside of their cheeks. This can help to reduce swelling and numb the area around your tooth. You can do that by placing a cold, damp cloth on your cheek for about 10-15 minutes. Do not apply the cold compress directly to your tooth to avoid additional pain.

4. Have you tried clove oil:

Clove oil has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for toothache. It contains a compound called eugenol, which has numbing and antibacterial properties. Use clove oil, mix it with a carrier oil such as olive oil or coconut oil, put a few drops on a cotton ball, and apply it directly to the affected tooth. Clove oil can help to reduce pain and inflammation.

In the meantime, you can distract yourself from the pain by listening to music or reading a book. You can also try using a white noise machine or earplugs to help block out any external sounds contributing to your discomfort.

Remember, the most reasonable way to get rid of toothaches at night is to stop eating things that cause them, such as cold, hard, or acidic foods. Eating such food right before going to sleep can accelerate the pain and worsen the condition of the cavities. 

Now You Know!

If the toothache is severe and does not improve with these home remedies, it is essential to see a dentist as soon as possible. A dentist can diagnose the cause of the toothache and recommend the appropriate treatment. 
In the meantime, the above steps can help to provide some relief from toothache pain at night. Remember to brush and floss your teeth regularly to help prevent toothaches and other dental problems. Many dentists in Reidsville, NC, can better guide you with a toothache.