Ouch! I Have a Terrible Toothache at Night—What Should I Do?

A toothache is more than a mere inconvenience. It can disrupt your sleep, focus, eating, and quality of life. Understanding the root cause is the first step towards finding long-term relief. Your toothache can stem from several sources, including: 

• Tooth decay (cavities)
• Impaction
• Gum disease
• Cracks, fractures, or chips
• Infections

Not all toothaches are the same. Your tooth pain may be a sharp, stabbing sensation or a dull throbbing ache. Sometimes, the pain can worsen when chewing or consuming hot or cold substances. Your Haymarket emergency dentist will ask you to describe your toothache to establish its cause. 

Very few things are worse than retiring to bed after a long day only to be kept awake by an excruciating toothache. You want to slip into deep sleep, but the pain won’t let you. You try to distract yourself with a movie, but the pain only intensifies. You can’t even call your dental office because they aren’t open this late.

You should call your Haymarket emergency dentist in the morning, but until then, try these tips to manage the pain. 

• Take over-the-counter pain medications: Medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can temporarily relieve pain and inflammation. Follow the dosage instructions on the label—and never place aspirin directly on your gums, as it can burn the tissue.
• Use a cold compress: Wrap an ice pack in a towel and place it on the outside of your cheek to manage swelling and pain.
• Rinse with warm, salty water: Gently rinse your mouth with a saline solution to flush out harmful bacteria. 
• Remove stuck debris: Ensure nothing is stuck between your teeth. Floss gently and rinse to remove food debris that might be worsening the pain.
• Garlic: Garlic is a household ingredient for cooking, but can be a lifesaver when a toothache strikes. It contains allicin, which has antimicrobial benefits. Chew a garlic clove and allow it to sit on the painful tooth. 
• Elevate your head: Sleep with your head propped on several pillows. Elevating your head prevents blood from pooling in your head and mouth. It improves circulation and minimizes pain. 

These tips help you sleep pain-free for now, but don’t address the underlying cause. Even if you don’t wake up with pain, ensure you call your dentist. Toothaches happen for a reason, and seeking professional care now prevents the need for costly, invasive treatments later. Plus, you’ll find getting a good night’s sleep much easier the following evening.