Toothaches can occur very surprisingly, especially at the most inconvenient time. It can happen, maybe when you are sleeping. You might start by tossing and turning, not realising that the dullness in your mouth has escalated into something more painful. This is the level of pain that will make it difficult for you to sleep, leaving you to question whether or not you need to make an appointment with your dentist.
Picture yourself. You are lying down in your bed. You are about to fall asleep, but feel a dull pain that continues to grow into a very sharp pain as time passes. You try to change your position, hoping that changing your position, it will relieve the pain. Within a few minutes, you find yourself sitting up, holding your face, checking the time again, and only then realising that it’s 2:00 A.M. now and sleep seems way out.
In many ways, the increase in pressure from being horizontal (or lying down) causes additional discomfort associated with a toothache. Therefore, at night, many people find their toothache to be worse than during the day (since pressure from your head will be pushing directly on top of your tooth).
Usually, common reasons for a nighttime toothache can be broken down into three categories: cavities, gum disease/infections, or teeth grinding.
Each of these conditions can present itself more than usual when you are trying to fall asleep. However, if you are sleeping and experiencing a toothache that seems very painful near the upper jaw area, it could actually be an upper sinus issue, like a sinus infection, not a toothache. Although getting professional help is helpful, here are some suggestions that may relieve you until you can see your dentist.
Try to numb the pain by using a cold compress. Put ice in a towel or cloth and then place it against your cheek for 15 minutes. This will also help reduce swelling and make you feel better. Over-the-counter medications, like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can also provide temporary pain relief; however, be sure that you take only the recommended dosage.
Another simple and traditional remedy is to rinse your mouth with saltwater mixed with warm water. Not only does this help clean the area, but it can also help to reduce swelling. If you have clove oil readily available, apply a little bit onto the painful tooth. Clove oil is an effective natural numbing agent.
These remedies are only short-term fixes. You should see a dentist if your toothache does not improve or gets worse, as they will be able to provide treatment for whatever is causing your pain. There are plenty of dentists in Victoria and Langford who provide emergency assistance as well as other services. McCallum Dental, located in the heart of Victoria, is an example of a local dentist that provides fast and effective help for individuals who have suffered a dental injury such as tooth decay, gum disease, or any other dental-related issue. Having access to a local dentist means you can find relief for your dental issues quickly.
Although it is nice to treat simple issues like toothaches with home remedies, having a professional examine your teeth helps to provide proper diagnosis and treatment when necessary. Many dentists in Victoria or Langford provide emergency care as well as preventative care.
Don’t allow tooth pain to keep you from sleeping at night or provide a distraction throughout your day. Whether you're seeking immediate assistance for an urgent problem or just want to schedule your regular check-up, working with the right dentist will help get you back to your normal, pain-free routine.
In conclusion, you do not need to allow tooth pain to define your day or your night. With the assistance of a quality dentist and time to recover, you will be back to dominating your days and nights in no time. If you continue to have tooth pain during nighttime hours, do not hesitate to reach out to a local dentist for assistance.
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