Brushing and flossing your teeth twice daily can be a simple and effective way to decrease the likelihood of having a dental emergency, but unfortunately, there’s no guarantee that you’ll never have an urgent issue.
For example, you might develop a severe or persistent toothache at any time, including in the evening after your dentist’s office has closed for the day. If you are struggling to sleep through the throbbing until you can contact your provider for an appointment, continue reading to learn 3 tips that can help you get some much-needed rest!
Tip #1: Apply An Ice Pack
There are many potential reasons your tooth might be hurting, but regardless of the underlying cause, you can help alleviate the ache by applying a cold compress or ice pack to the sore side of your face for about 15 to 20 minutes at a time.
Not only can this provide a temporary numbing sensation to help you feel at ease, but it can also help reduce any associated swelling in your gums or face. If that doesn’t help, you might try holding ice water in your mouth for a few minutes to address the throbbing.
Tip #2: Prop Your Head Up
Many patients develop severe toothaches when bacteria penetrate the teeth or gums and trigger an infection that activates the sensitive nerves inside. This can cause fluids and pus to accumulate, leading to painful pressure buildup.
Unfortunately, when you shift from a sitting or standing position to lie down at night, gravity draws more blood flow to your head, which can increase the force placed against the tender nerve of your tooth. If you’ve noticed that your mouth hurts more when you try to get comfortable in your bed, you can try propping your head up on several pillows or dry to doze off in your favorite recliner instead.
Tip #3: Take Over-the-Counter Medications
Another simple way to temporarily minimize a toothache is by taking the recommended dosage of over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. These options can often safely reduce aches and inflammation long enough for you to drift off to dreamland.
Then, as soon as your dentist’s office opens in the morning, you can contact them for a same-day emergency visit to treat the underlying issue causing your discomfort. In many cases, a root canal can clear away any infected materials, which is often followed by placing a dental crown to restore your troubled tooth’s appearance and functionality.
Once you and your dentist have agreed on an appropriate treatment plan, they can get to work repairing the damage to give you back a happy, healthy smile.
About the Practice
At Vista Dental Care, you and your family benefit from two dentists dedicated to enhancing your lives by improving your dental health. Dr. Vong and Dr. Avendano collaborate to offer a comprehensive menu of services at one convenient location, including same-day emergency visits. Their caring and compassionate approach combines with state-of-the-art equipment to quickly identify problem areas and devise customized treatment plans to address them. If you’re hurting and need help, you can request an appointment on the website or call (775) 626-3535.