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://www.uniquefamilydentistry.com or call Unique Family Dentistry at (908) 772-8640 for an appointment in our Linden office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Toothache in Linden, NJ.
General dentists are some of the most visited professionals in their field. The American Dental Association recommends that people as young as one year old maintain a biannual checkup schedule. Their primary aim is to preserve or improve patients' oral health, which they do in various ways. Let us look at six of them.Depending on…
Your general dentist may tell you that you may need a dental implant someday soon. The idea of getting an artificial tooth can be intimidating or even scary. Your consultation will give you the chance to clarify some things about the procedure. Here are some questions you can ask your general dentist during that first…
Most adults experience some degree of gum disease during their lifetime, but it does not necessarily lead to tooth loss. Understanding how to identify and treat the stages of this common ailment can prevent it from spreading and reduce its impact.Gum disease is an infection of the gum tissue surrounding the teeth. It starts with…
A trip to the dentist every six months can go a long way toward protecting your oral health. General dentists can perform an oral exam, catching any oral health issues early on. They will also remove tartar buildup during a professional teeth cleaning to preserve the teeth and gums. Explore why you should schedule an…
General dentists are some of the most visited professionals in their field. The American Dental Association recommends that people as young as one year old maintain a biannual checkup schedule. Their primary aim is to preserve or improve patients' oral health, which they do in various ways. Let us look at six of them.Depending on…
Your general dentist may tell you that you may need a dental implant someday soon. The idea of getting an artificial tooth can be intimidating or even scary. Your consultation will give you the chance to clarify some things about the procedure. Here are some questions you can ask your general dentist during that first…