Part I: 3 Tips and Tricks to Relieving a Toothache at Night

A toothache is, by far, one of the most nagging and annoying problems you can have. Not only is the pain difficult to manage depending on what is causing it, but they can appear at the most inopportune times, especially at night. If you’ve ever experienced this type of situation and lost precious sleeping time, don’t let it continue! In this three-part series, a dentist shares three tips and tricks to relieve nighttime pain caused by a toothache.

What Can Cause a Toothache?

Unfortunately, a toothache can be caused by a myriad of things, some of which include:

• Gum disease
• Bruxism (teeth grinding)
• Injury
• Abnormal bite
• Infection
• Lodged food

When this happens, it’s important that you are mindful of how to handle the situation to prevent further damage to the tooth.

How to Relieve a Toothache at Night

Having a toothache during the day is bad enough, but when you are awoken in the middle of the night by a sharp, stabbing pain in your tooth, not only will you lose sleep, but you’ll likely be spending the next several hours trying to figure out a way to relieve the pain.

Before you start taking drastic measures, here are three tips and tricks to help you with the pain and get you back to sleeping soundly:

• Over-the-counter pain reliever: Depending on the severity of pain, acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen are two of the most effective ways to relieve toothache discomfort. You can find these products at your local drug store or even a gas station. You’ll want to make sure you follow the instructions regarding dosage, and if the pain is too severe, call your dentist as soon as you are able to schedule an appointment and have them examine the problem area.
• Cold compress: While a cold compress is typically used to reduce swelling, it can also be helpful in alleviating pain. Should a toothache arise while you are sleeping, grab a bag of ice and wrap it in a towel. Gently press it against the side of your face and try to lie down. The cold will constrict the blood vessels and reduce the pain.
• Elevation: When trying to fall back asleep, it can be helpful to place an additional pillow under your head to keep it elevated. This reduces inflammation and pain since laying flat can cause blood to pool in your head. Increased blood and pressure can make the pain more intense.

Keep these tips in mind should you ever be awoken by a toothache. By adhering to these suggested techniques, you can be better positioned to address the problem and continue getting a good night’s rest.

About the Author
Dr. Mark Simeone, DMD, AEGD, has nearly two decades of experience as a general and cosmetic dentist. He completed his advanced education in general dentistry at Rutgers University before completing his doctoral studies and residency. Dr. Simeone has become one of the most respected dentists in his field and enjoys helping his patients achieve healthy smiles through preventive care. To learn more about Dr. Simeone,  contact us at (610) 383-1600.