A toothache is not an uncommon condition. Many people experience one at one time or another, in varying degrees of severity. When one hits during the night, it can affect your ability to sleep well and get the rest you need. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to relieve the pain and discomfort. In addition, you can take preventive measures to keep toothaches away altogether and enjoy good oral health.
When a person feels pain in and around the tooth, the cause is often tooth decay. This comes because the individual has not brushed or flossed effectively. The pain and discomfort can increase as the cavity grows and spreads. If it reaches the pulp of the tooth, where nerves and vessels are, an abscess can develop. The tooth pain here can be intense and feel unbearable.
Other factors can contribute to pain in the tooth. Breaking or cracking a tooth can produce the same effect. Damaging a filling is another possible source of the pain. When gums become infected, the tissue will become irritated, and the tooth could suffer the effects too. When teeth erupt, some people experience discomfort as well.
Many times, a toothache will affect a person at night. This can interrupt sleep patterns, keeping the person up all night. Pain in the tooth during the nighttime can also be problematic because it is more difficult to get immediate help from the dentist. A general dentist’s office will be closed, so the patient may have to seek emergency help if the pain is severe.
During the night, taking medication such as Tylenol and Ibuprofen can help relieve a toothache. The person should take the drugs as directed. It is important to take the correct dosage and not take doses too closely together. Alternating between these two over-the-counter medications can be effective.
Along with pain, a toothache can cause swelling around the tooth and in the jaw. Using a cold-compression pack can reduce the swelling. During the night, the individual can keep an ice pack on the affected area for about 20 minutes at a time. After this period, the person can leave the pack off and then put it back on again for another 20 minutes. This can also help to numb the pain.
Another possible solution for a toothache is to gently rinse with salt water. For the most effective results, stir ½ a teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water. Rinsing with warm salt water can dislodge debris from in between the teeth. The salt water can also act as a disinfectant.
If a toothache is bothering you at night, there are steps you can take at home to relieve the pain. Before you can get to the dentist’s office in the morning, try these possible solutions. Then, get in touch with the dentist as soon as you can the following day. The dentist can treat the cause of the symptoms, but you can minimize the pain.
Request an appointment here: https://sunvalleydentalcare.com or call Sun Valley Dental Care at (619) 413-1121 for an appointment in our El Cajon office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Toothache in El Cajon, CA.
A root canal cleans out infection from the interior of a tooth, but dentists will attempt other options, such as dental fillings, when possible. Therefore, it can be hard for patients to know when they may need a root canal or whether a problem can be solved in another way. The signs that you may…
Are you thinking about choosing ClearCorrect braces to straighten your teeth? Understanding everything there is to know about ClearCorrect is the first step to take when leaning toward choosing this straightening option. Choosing the right teeth straightening option is important, as it needs to blend in easily with one’s everyday lifestyle. Ready to learn more? Whether…
Dental veneers are custom-fit shells made of porcelain or ceramic material. These restorations are easy to get, but you need to have the commitment to care for them. Knowing how long they last and how to maintain these restorations can help you prepare for a life of wearing these shells. Here are the details you…
You might want to head to a general dentist if you find yourself dealing with a cavity. Cavities are tiny holes that form on teeth because of tooth decay. Acids created by oral bacteria eat away at teeth surfaces, creating those tiny holes. Other symptoms include reoccurring toothaches, increased sensitivity to hot and cold foods,…
Many affected people report that the pain caused by nerves inside a tooth is significant…
Looking for more information on orthodontic options for straightening teeth? Learn more about this popular…
Here are the details you must consider about dental veneers.
A general dentist has many options to choose from when it comes to treating cavities.…
While tooth extractions are usually considered safe, the dental professional needs to ensure no health…
Dental sealants are a great preventive and protective general dentistry measure that can be used…
