How Can I Sleep With a Toothache?

Few things are more annoying and painful than a toothache, particularly at night. If you experience tooth pain before bedtime, you may wonder how to rest until your dentist can see you in the morning. Check out these practical tips from Dr. Pappas at Walnut Creek Dental East to manage discomfort and sleep with a toothache and maintain your dental care.

What is a Toothache?

Toothaches occur when a person experiences severe pain inside or around a tooth. Various factors and ranges can cause them, from minor to serious. Minor toothaches may resolve on their own, but depending on the cause of the toothache, they can become more severe or lead to other complications if not addressed by a dental professional. Common causes of toothaches include tooth decay, infection, and trauma. The best way to determine what contributes to tooth pain is to have it examined by your dentist.

How Can You Avoid Getting Toothaches?

While no one plans on having a toothache, it can happen to anyone. The good news is that there are practical steps you can take to reduce your chances of experiencing one. These include:

• Maintaining good oral health by practicing good oral hygiene habits
• Brushing your teeth twice a day
• Flossing daily
• Drinking plenty of water to wash away bacteria and food debris
• Visiting the dentist every six months

What Are the Best Ways to Sleep with a Toothache?

Toothaches often occur at the most inconvenient times, including at night when your dentist’s office isn’t open. Because of this, it’s important to know how to manage your tooth pain until your dentist can resolve it. Doing so will not only allow you to get much-needed sleep at night but also prevent the pain from worsening. Here are some tips for sleeping with a toothache:

• Keep your head elevated by pillows to prevent the blood from rushing to the affected area and making it worse.
• Place a cold cloth against the painful area to reduce inflammation and numb the area.
• Take over-the-counter pain medication to minimize discomfort.
• Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to keep the area clean and prevent potential infection from spreading.
• Avoid eating foods that could irritate it, including anything cold, acidic, or sugary.

Why Do Toothaches Hurt Worse at Night?

If your toothache hurts worse at night, you’re not alone. One reason toothaches feel more painful at night is that more blood flows to your head when you lie down, which can put more pressure on the affected area. Additionally, there tend to be fewer things distracting you from the discomfort at night, especially when you’re trying to sleep, which can make it seem the pain is worse. Other nighttime factors could irritate a painful tooth, such as teeth grinding or snacking.

When Does a Toothache Become an Emergency?

Most toothaches aren’t considered dental emergencies, so they can wait until normal office hours to be treated. In some cases, however, tooth pain can be a sign of something more serious and should be treated right away. If you experience pain that is severe and uncontrollable, uncontrollable bleeding, or facial swelling, it’s best to be seen by your dentist as soon as possible.

Walnut Creek Dental East Can Treat Your Toothache

You deserve a smile that is as healthy and comfortable as beautiful. If you experience oral pain, don’t wait to schedule an appointment with the trusted team at Walnut Creek Dental East. Dr. Pappas can diagnose your condition, create a personalized treatment plan to restore your oral health, and help you prevent another toothache from occurring in the future. Contact us today to schedule your appointment!