Do you suffer from toothache at night and can’t fall asleep? If so, you may struggle to get a good night’s sleep. With painful and uncomfortable sensations keeping you wide awake, getting a restful slumber can seem impossible. That said, it doesn’t have to stay this way! In this blog post, we’ll review several science-backed tips and strategies like sleeping with your head elevated and many more! So take a break from counting sheep; let’s jump into how to sleep with a toothache.
Understand the Cause of Toothache
In this blog, we will investigate the causes of toothache and what you can do to help ease the discomfort.
Dental Decay
The leading cause of dental pain is dental decay. When plaque accumulates on teeth, it produces acid that damages the enamel and causes tooth decay. The decay process leads to tooth decay and cavities. As the decay progresses, it exposes the nerve fibres, which leads to toothache. Dental decay usually requires restorative dental treatment, such as a filling, crown, or root canal, depending on the extent of the damage.
Gum Disease
Gum or periodontal disease is another common cause of painful symptoms. Bacteria in plaque create toxins that irritate the gums, leading to damage and gum inflammation. If left unhealed, it can lead to tooth loss and bone damage. Regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental appointments can help prevent gum disease and toothache.
Trauma
Trauma to the tooth and surrounding bone can lead to toothache. This damage can come from a sports injury, fall, or car accident.
The impact can cause a fracture, which exposes the nerves, leading to toothache.
Symptoms can sometimes show up days or weeks after the injury occurs. If you experience an injury, seek dental attention immediately to monitor the extent of the damage and get the necessary treatment.
Tooth Sensitivity
You may have tooth sensitivity if you experience sudden and brief pain when having hot or cold foods and drinks. Exposure to the root surface can cause sensitivity and eventually lead to toothache. Sensitivity toothpaste and fluoride treatments can help reduce discomfort.
Dental Abscess
Unhealed tooth decay or gum disease can cause a dental abscess. An abscess is a pus-filled pocket formed at the end of the tooth root. It results in extreme pain, swelling, and fever. Dental abscesses can be fatal if left unattended. The treatment includes draining the pus and antibiotics to treat the infection.
Sinus infection
Sinus infections can cause toothache in several ways. The sinuses are air-filled spaces behind your forehead, cheeks, and nose. When you have a sinus infection, these spaces become inflamed and produce excess mucus, which can pressure the nerves connected to your teeth. This pressure can cause pain and discomfort, even if the problem originates from the sinuses rather than your teeth.
Take Pain-Relieving Medication
This section discusses the different types of pain relievers, their proper use, and some safety precautions. So, sit back, relax, and read on!
Types of Pain Relievers
There are different types of pain relievers available, including Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) like Ibuprofen (Advil) and Aspirin. Acetaminophen is used for moderate pain, while NSAIDs work for moderate to severe pain. Be sure to read the label and follow the recommended dosage instructions.
Proper Use of Pain Relievers
When taking pain relievers, following the advised dose on the label or as directed by your doctor is essential. Taking it at the first sign of pain or discomfort is also crucial. Don’t wait for the pain to worsen before taking medication. Taking medication regularly can also reduce pain levels in the long run and help in a better night’s sleep.
Safety Precautions when Taking Pain Relievers
While over-the-counter medications can cause temporary relief from nighttime pain, they also have potential side effects. Acetaminophen can lead to liver damage in high doses. NSAIDs can cause stomach ulcers and bleeding. It’s essential to avoid taking pain relievers on an empty stomach and to avoid alcohol while taking medication. If you have any liver or kidney problems, talking to your doctor before taking pain relievers is vital.
When to Seek Professional Help
If your nagging toothache persists for more than two days or is accompanied by swelling, fever, or difficulty breathing, it’s essential to seek professional help immediately. Your dentist or doctor can determine the underlying reason for the pain and provide appropriate treatment.
Home Remedies For Toothache
Saltwater Rinse
A saltwater rinse is a highly effective remedy for toothache that can help alleviate inflammation and reduce oral bacteria. To make a saltwater rinse, mix some salt in warm water and wash your mouth for about 30 seconds before spitting it out. Repeat this process a few times a day.
Cold compress
An ice pack can numb the affected area and help reduce toothache pain. Place an ice pack on the affected area for 15-20 minutes, with breaks in between, to avoid damaging the skin.
Clove Oil
Clove oil contains eugenol, which is an organic anaesthetic. It has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for toothache. To use clove oil, apply a few drops of it to a cotton ball and place it on the tooth or gums that are hurting. You can also mix the oil with olive oil and apply it with a cotton ball to the affected tooth.
Oil Pulling
Oil pulling is a traditional Indian solution for oral hygiene and detoxification but it can also help alleviate toothache. It involves swishing oil in the mouth for a few minutes. Coconut oil is the most common oil used for oil pulling. Coconut oil has antibacterial qualities that can reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
Ginger
Ginger is an organic anti-inflammatory that can help reduce swelling and alleviate pain. To use ginger for toothache, make a paste by grinding fresh ginger and applying it to the affected area. Mix some ginger powder and a little water to make a paste.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil possesses antiseptic properties that can be beneficial in reducing inflammation and easing the pain associated with toothaches. To utilise tea tree oil, mix some drops of it with a carrier oil such as olive oil, and then apply it to the impacted region or use it to rinse your mouth with saltwater.
Garlic
Garlic has natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it an effective remedy for toothache. Crush a garlic clove and mix it with salt, then apply it to the affected tooth. Alternatively, you can chew a clove of garlic, which helps fight off bacteria and relieve pain.
Treatment Options For Toothache
In this section, we’ll explore some of the best medical treatment options currently available and discuss how they can work to alleviate the pain caused by toothache.
Dental Fillings
Dental fillings could be the answer if tooth decay is causing your toothache. This treatment option involves extracting the decayed section of the tooth and then filling the cavity with a material such as resin, which helps to prevent further damage to the tooth. While the procedure may be carried out under anaesthesia, it’s typically painless and can provide long-lasting relief from pain.
Root Canal Treatment
In many cases,toothache can be caused by an infection that goes to the tooth’s root, leading to severe pain. To relieve the pain, dentists typically perform a root canal treatment. This involves removing the infected pulp from the tooth and sealing it with a filling. You will most likely need local anaesthesia to numb the area before the procedure, and it may take a few appointments to complete the treatment.
Tooth Extraction
If the tooth is severely deteriorated or infected, or there is a risk to your oral health, a dentist may recommend removing the tooth.
Though it may sound scary, it’s generally a simple treatment that can significantly relieve toothache pain.
After the tooth is removed, you may need to take antibiotics for a few days to prevent infection, and the pain should gradually subside over a week or two.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are typically prescribed when an infection is present or suspected. It is important to note that antibiotics are often used with other treatment options, such as root canal treatment or tooth extraction. It is important to take the antibiotics as prescribed and until they are finished to prevent a recurrence of the infection.
Conclusion
Toothaches can be difficult to deal with, not to mention try to sleep through. Taking your oral health seriously is very important, and if you find yourself in the middle of this pain, you must think of ways to make it more bearable. Utilising the tips we identified today will help in your efforts. Still, if all else fails and you need assistance with a persisting toothache, it is important to contact a dental care centre. We at Finesse Dental are available for consultation every day of the week, so please don’t hesitate to call us at (02) 8806 0790. Our team has many years of combined experience, and we are eager to help as much as possible. Let us know how we can support your needs and help relieve some of that tooth pain!
