Do you suffer from toothache and struggle to get a good night’s sleep? You are not alone. Toothaches can be incredibly distressing and make it hard to drift off into dreamland at the end of the day. The bottom line is that sleep won’t come easy if you have an aching tooth.
However, there are measures that you can take to reduce your discomfort and give yourself the best possible chance of getting some much-needed rest. In this blog post, we’ll explore how to get a better night’s sleep with a sore tooth by focusing on helpful pain relief strategies and practical tips for creating more conducive conditions for deep slumber.
Understand Your Toothache
There’s nothing worse than tooth pain. The pain can be unbearable and keep you up at night. A toothache hurts worse at night because when a person lies down, the blood rushes to the head, which increases pressure in the head, causing throbbing pain.
Fortunately, there are ways to handle the pain and treat the underlying cause. In this section, we’ll explore the causes and symptoms of toothache at night.
What Causes a Toothache?
Many things may cause dental pain. These include:
- Dental decay: This is one of the most common causes of toothaches. When bacteria in your mouth chops down food particles, they produce acids that can erode your tooth enamel, causing cavities.
- Gum disease: Gum disease is an infection that can cause inflammation and pain.
- Tooth trauma: A toothache can also result from an injury to your tooth, such as a crack or chip.
- Sinusitis: Sometimes, a toothache can be a sinus infection symptom. The pressure from the infection can cause pain in your teeth.
Symptoms of a Toothache
The most obvious symptom of a toothache due to dental problems is severe pain. However, depending on the cause of your nighttime pain, you may experience other annoying symptoms, including:
- Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
- Swelling in your gums or face
- Bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
- Fever
Manage Pain with Medication
Analgesics
Analgesics, or painkillers, are the most commonly used medication to manage dental pain. Over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen, aspirin, and acetaminophen can help reduce swelling and pain in the affected area.
Ibuprofen is particularly useful as it has anti-inflammatory properties. However, aspirin should be avoided in children under 16 as it has been associated with a rare but serious condition called Reye’s syndrome.
A dentist may prescribe prescription-strength painkillers such as opioids for nagging toothache. It’s essential to follow the instructions to prevent any complications carefully.
Antibiotics
If a bacterial infection causes toothache, antibiotics may be crucial to eliminate the bacteria causing the infection.
Antibiotics can also help prevent the infection from spreading, reducing the risk of serious complications. A dentist generally prescribes antibiotics for tooth infections.
Topical Medications
Topical medications such as numbing gels, pastes, and liquids can be applied directly to the affected tooth or gum area to reduce pain. These medications work by numbing the area, making the pain more bearable. You can use the medication as directed on the label or by your dentist.
Desensitising agents
These are applied directly to the tooth’s surface to reduce sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures. They are available over the counter and can help ease the pain.
Try Natural Remedies to Ease Discomfort
In this section, we’ll explore some of the best natural and instant remedies to relieve toothache at night and how to use them effectively.
Saltwater Rinse
Warm saltwater rinse is one of the simplest and most effective remedies for toothache pain. Dissolve one teaspoon of salt in warm water, and rinse your mouth for some seconds. Spit out the solution, and repeat the process as needed. Saltwater rinse helps to reduce inflammation and acts as a natural antiseptic, killing bacteria and preventing infection.
Garlic
Garlic has natural antibacterial characteristics that can help to eliminate infections that may be causing toothache pain. Crush a garlic clove into a paste, and apply it to the affected tooth.
Leave it on for some minutes before washing it with warm water. Alternatively, apply a few drops of garlic oil to a cotton ball to the affected area. This might help you fall asleep quickly.
Cloves
Cloves have been used for centuries to treat toothache pain, and for a good reason. Cloves contain eugenol, a natural anaesthetic that can help to relieve pain and reduce inflammation—chewing on a whole clove or dabbing a drop of clove oil onto a cotton and applying it to the affected tooth.
Peppermint Tea Bags
Peppermint Tea BagsPeppermint tea bags can be a soothing remedy for toothache pain. Add a tea bag to boiling water for a few minutes, and let it cool off slightly.
Put the tea bag on the affected tooth, keep your head elevated, and hold it there for a few minutes.
Peppermint has natural anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce swelling and ease pain.
Ginger
Ginger is an effective anti-inflammatory that can help to reduce swelling and ease painful toothache. Grate a small piece of ginger, and apply it to the affected area. Alternatively, you can make ginger tea by steeping grated ginger in boiling water for a few minutes. Ginger tea can be sipped throughout the day for ongoing relief.
Oregano oil
If your toothache hurts worse, you can use oregano oil. It has antibacterial properties and can alleviate inflammation, with strong pain-killing properties. Mix some drops of oregano oil and apply it to your painful tooth.
Cold Compress
An ice pack is a great way to reduce pain and inflammation caused by toothache. Put an ice pack, or frozen vegetables, wrapped in a towel against the side of your face affected by the toothache. This can help to reduce swelling and provide temporary relief from the pain. The cold treatment should be done for at most 20 minutes at a time.
Consider Professional Treatment Options for Long-Term Relief
While some home remedies can alleviate toothache at night, sometimes professional treatment is necessary. This blog section will highlight some of the professional treatment options available for those struggling with toothache.
Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment is a procedure that can be used to save a damaged or infected tooth. It involves removing the infected pulp, blood and nerves inside the tooth and cleaning and sealing the inside. This procedure may sound daunting, but it is a highly successful treatment option that can save your tooth and alleviate your toothache.
Periodontal Treatment
Painful toothache can sometimes be caused by inflammation and infection of the gums, which can lead to periodontal disease. Periodontal treatment involves deep cleaning of the affected area to remove all the bacteria and plaque that have accumulated over time. Surgical procedures may be required in severe cases where periodontal disease has caused significant damage.
Tooth Extraction
Tooth ExtractionIn some cases where tooth decay is severe, extraction may be necessary. Tooth extraction is a common treatment that involves removing the tooth from its socket. While this may seem scary, it can alleviate the pain and prevent further damage to the surrounding teeth and gums.
Orthodontic Treatment
Sometimes, a toothache can be caused by misaligned teeth or bite issues. Orthodontic treatments involve braces or clear aligners to correct these issues and alleviate the pain and discomfort caused by toothache.
Conclusion
Coping with toothache can be challenging, not only due to the discomfort it causes but also due to its sleep disruption. However, with a few simple techniques and lifestyle changes, you can alleviate your toothache while mitigating the effects on your sleep. While some methods may be more effective than others depending on your condition, it is important to recognise that everyone experiences this. If you require further assistance, advice or treatment, please contact us at (08) 7078 8263 for more information, and we will be glad to help!
References
Toothaches at Night: Treatment, Home Remedies, and Causes
https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-get-rid-of-toothache-at-night
9 methods to get rid of toothache at night
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326133