Are you experiencing a toothache at night while you’re trying to go to sleep? If the discomfort persists, this could be a sign of a dental emergency and you should go see your dentist right away. However, there are ways you can minimize the aching in the meantime, and sometimes it only takes a little understanding of how the toothache started. Read on to learn from your dentist in Austin what causes toothaches and how you can treat them before bed.
What Causes a Nighttime Toothache?
Whenever you lay down, blood circulates to your head more rapidly. If food particles are stuck between your teeth, or you have a cavity, then higher blood pressure can increase any discomfort you feel from a toothache.
If you’re experiencing high levels of stress in your daily life, this could cause bruxism or grinding of the teeth. This condition can weaken your tooth enamel and cause chronic jaw pain. Should you also have a cavity present in your teeth, this could trigger acute discomfort as you sleep.
How Do I Get Rid of My Toothache at Night?
Treating your toothache mostly involves managing the level of discomfort while also addressing the underlying cause. While the best way to do this is to see your dentist, here are several steps you can try to help you sleep through the night:
- Brushing & Flossing: This is the first convenient way to get rid of a toothache, as cleaning around and in between your teeth and gums can help dislodge whatever might be stuck and causing pain.
- Using Mouthwash: Swish around mouthwash that contains alcohol to both sanitize and numb your teeth.
- Placing an Ice Pack: Use an ice pack or cold compress to numb any pain and reduce possible swelling.
- Elevating Your Head: Try to prop your head higher than your body when laying down to lower the blood pressure going to your head, reducing any throbbing you might feel.
- Avoiding Acidic or Hard Foods Before Bed: These kinds of meals can irritate your teeth, especially if you have a cavity.
- Using Over-the-Counter Medicine: Taking pain relievers or applying numbing pastes before bed can be extremely helpful. However, your dentist would be able to prescribe you something better and more specific to your situation.
There are various reasons why a toothache happens, and while you can manage your circumstances temporarily, you should go ahead and visit your dentist as soon as you can if you have a toothache. They’ll be able to identify and treat the underlying causes that are keeping you from sleep, helping you rest and cleaning your smile in the process.
About the Practice
At Magnolia Family Dentistry of Austin, you’ll find an expert team dedicated to achieving healthy and amazing smiles for all patients. With state-of-the-art technology, they provide a relaxing and comfortable dental experience for multiple treatments, including any dental emergencies involving toothaches. If you need help getting to sleep and relieving a toothache, visit their website or call (512) 441-2098.