It’s late at night, you need to get to sleep, but your toothache is working overtime right now. You won’t be able to see your emergency dentist until the next morning, and you have work after that. What should you do? Thankfully, you don’t have to resign yourself to hours of tossing and turning—just use these simple tips to get the relief (and rest) you need.
Floss
An often-overlooked source of oral pain is food being lodged between the teeth. Gently flossing the area or rinsing can often remove the offending morsel and might solve your problem entirely. If that’s not the case, you’re not out of luck.
Rinse with Warm Saltwater
Swishing a warm saltwater solution in your mouth can reduce inflammation and pain in the short term. Just add one tablespoon of salt to a glass of water, rinse thoroughly, and spit it out.
OTC Medication
While most people turn to medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) for headaches, they can also help with dental pain long enough for you to fall asleep. Ideally, you should take them an hour or so before you go to bed so you feel the effects while trying to doze off.
Pillows, Pillows, & Pillows
Sleeping with your head in a slightly elevated position will reduce the blood flow to your head and mouth, which can markedly alleviate any pain and swelling.
The Next Morning
Hopefully, these will help you sleep through the night, but it’s important to emphasize that these tips are just temporary solutions. Toothaches don’t just fix themselves—you’ll need to visit your dentist to fully resolve the problem. Most keep open timeslots available for patients with urgent dental issues so they can be seen the same day that they call.
While a toothache certainly isn’t ideal, you don’t have to let it rob you of your all-important sleep. These suggestions should help you for a night or two and ensure you stay comfortable until your dentist is able to provide a more permanent solution.
About the Practice
Lake Boone Dentistry of Raleigh is led by Dr. Ricke, Dr. Sowter, and Dr. Douglas, and our practice aims to serve your whole family’s oral care needs. That’s why we offer a wide range of services and are even prepared to handle your dental emergencies! If you or a loved one is in pain, the quickest way to schedule an appointment is to give us a call at (919) 781-8610.