Many providers understand that dental emergencies, such as sudden or severe toothaches, can happen at any time and offer same-day visits so you don’t have to wait long for relief.
But if you develop discomfort in the evening or over the weekend when their office is closed, you might have to wait a night or two before you can reach out for help. If the throbbing in your tooth is preventing you from getting some much-needed rest, read on to learn 3 tips that might help reduce the ache long enough to finally fall asleep.
Tip #1: Rinse with Salt Water
If you’re looking for a simple, easy at-home solution for addressing toothaches, you can try gently rinsing your mouth out with salt water. You can make your own mixture by adding about ½ tsp of salt into a glass of water and stirring until dissolved. Then, sip it and swirl it around your teeth before spitting it into the sink and repeat until the cup is empty.
This helps pull excess fluid out of swollen tissues to ease inflammation and irritation, and it also naturally disinfects your mouth while clearing away leftover food or other debris that can contribute to infection.
Tip #2: Try Over-the-Counter Pain Meds
Some patients need more than simple salt water to address the throbbing. Thankfully, it’s often safe to take common over-the-counter medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to reduce soreness, swelling, and aches.
You might also benefit from a numbing oral gel, which you can buy at many stores and pharmacies. These products typically contain an anesthetic, such as a small dose of benzocaine or lidocaine, to block nerve pain signals, which can effectively reduce discomfort when applied to your tooth and the surrounding tissues.
Tip #3: Prop Your Head Up
There are several potential causes for toothaches, though infection is among the most common. If you notice that it seems to intensify the moment you lie down to try to nod off, it might be because your reclined position allows gravity to pool additional fluid behind the affected tooth, placing more pressure on the already-tender nerves inside.
Fortunately, this can be avoided by propping your head at an angle using several pillows, or by sleeping in your favorite recliner. Elevating your head above heart level can be an effective way to avoid additional throbbing.
These tips might provide just enough relief for you to sleep soundly so that you can contact your dentist as soon as their office opens in the morning!
Meet the Author
Dr. Mihran Asinmaz is passionate about helping his patients build and maintain the happiest, healthiest versions of their smiles. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine from Nova Southeastern University and then completed a General Practice Residency at the prestigious North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System. Today, he works diligently to offer a comprehensive menu of services, including same-day emergency visits, to meet your unique needs conveniently under one roof. You can request an appointment on the website or call the office at (561) 640-9200.