The daytime is usually full of external stimuli such as work, school, the sound of traffic, kids playing, television, and the like, and this does a lot to keep a person’s mind occupied as they go about their activities. These distractions are largely absent at night, which can unfortunately make it much harder to ignore a troublesome toothache. Here’s a brief guide to why you may notice your dental pain more at night as well as a few tips for getting some shuteye before calling your emergency dentist’s office in the morning.
Why Does My Tooth Hurt Worse at Night?
Just like you might not notice that you’re hungry when you’re focused on doing something, it can be much easier to ignore a troublesome toothache when you’re caught up in the hustle and bustle of your daily activities. However, there’s often much less activity and ambient noise at night, which leaves not much left to distract you from oral pain. Unfortunately, this can make sleeping much more difficult and cause much grogginess and frustration the next day.
How Can I Sleep with a Toothache?
Luckily, there are a few home remedies for toothache that can make it much easier to get some shuteye. A few of these are:
- Brushing and flossing to dislodge large stubborn debris that may be stuck between your teeth.
- Taking over-the-counter pain medication according to the instructions printed on the label.
- Using cushions or pillows to elevate your head when laying down, as this can slightly reduce the blood pressure in your troubled tooth.
- Clove oil is an ancient toothache remedy, so you can try applying it to a cotton ball and placing it over the afflicted tooth for temporary relief.
If a thorough oral hygiene session does not resolve your toothache, it’s best to call your emergency dentist to schedule an appointment when their office opens in the morning.
How Can My Emergency Dentist Help?
Emergency dentists are trained and equipped to treat toothaches in a variety of ways, and the best method for resolving your oral pain depends on what causes it. Your dentist may address the issue by:
- Carefully removing an especially stubborn object from between your teeth
- Performing a fluoride treatment to strengthen your enamel
- Placing a tooth-colored filling
- Performing a root canal
- In cases of severe dental infection, extracting the tooth
Addressing tooth pain early can help you find relief sooner and may prevent serious oral infections. Contact your emergency dentist if your toothache lasts longer than one day.
About the Author
Dr. Ryan Bygness earned his dental degree at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and continues to refine his skills through postgraduate coursework. He is proud to be a member of the American Dental Association, the Iowa Lakes Dental Society, and the Academy of General Dentistry. His office in Denison offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. If you have a toothache, dial (712) 263-3252. For more information, contact the office online.