How to Deal with a Toothache at Bedtime

Bedtime is when you’re supposed to relax and let your cares melt away. But if you’ve got a toothache, it can be hard to feel comfortable enough to count sheep, let alone fall asleep! If you’re suffering from dental pain and need to head to bed before your emergency dentist appointment, here are a few tips to help you get the rest you need.

Keep Your Head Up

Getting some much-needed sleep can help give your body a break from toothache pain. Unfortunately, however, this can be very difficult to do if you’re lying down, because when you are in the reclined position your blood can rush to your head, making the discomfort worse. To remedy this, sleep with your head elevated: either by stacking up a few pillows, or sleeping on a recliner chair or incline bed.

Try an OTC Remedy

Though it may not eliminate all the pain, over the counter pain medicine should be enough to help manage at least some of the discomfort associated with your toothache temporarily. Keep in mind that you should not be surviving on pain medicine, however. Your toothache will likely not go away on its own, and pain medicine will only mask the symptoms. To truly eliminate it, you will need to see your dentist for treatment.

Watch What You Eat

What you eat can affect your tooth pain, especially if it’s caused by a cavity. Thus, be sure to avoid anything acidic, cold, or hard right before bed, as this can worsen your pain, and avoid chewing on the side of your mouth with the toothache if at all possible.

Rinse it Out

Mouthwash is an additional step that many people choose to add to their oral hygiene routine; however, it is not always necessary. If you are a fan, try rinsing your mouth with a variety that contains alcohol, as this can help keep your tooth clean and numb the pain a bit in the process.

Remember, if you are experiencing a toothache, contact your dentist as soon as possible for an emergency appointment. If you cannot be seen before bedtime and are being kept awake by pain, try these steps to help get you the sleep you need.

About Our Practice

At Edgewood Dental, we take the time to get to know not just your treatment plan, but your name, too.  When you’re here, you’ll never feel rushed, nor will you ever experience that cold, clinical feeling you get at other dental practices.  That’s because we know that going to the dentist can be scary, especially if you’re having a dental emergency.

For urgent, same-day oral health care with you in mind, please reach out to us for an emergency appointment by visiting our website or calling us today at 219-898-4545.