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.
A tooth replacement procedure is necessary when someone has lost their natural teeth. Teeth play an important role in maintaining good health and oral functions like chewing and speaking, so tooth loss can be quite devastating. Fortunately, there are many tooth replacement options available today to replace missing teeth.Options available for those who have missing…
One of the more conservative procedures offered as part of a smile makeover is composite dental bonding. Read on to learn more about this restorative procedure. The procedure involves using composite resin to restore a tooth's structural integrity while also improving its look. Dental bonding may be used to fix problems including stained teeth, gapped…
A common mistake that parents make is assuming that regular family dentist visits for their child are not necessary because baby teeth will fall out, anyway. However, the health of the child’s baby (primary) teeth plays an important role in the proper development of their permanent teeth. This review highlights the importance of regular family…
General dentistry includes the restoration of damaged teeth, which may refer to cavities or aesthetic issues, such as staining, chipping, or cracking. Thankfully, there are many ways to restore teeth that have become damaged.The type of damage that occurs will determine what type of restoration is needed. General dentists can identify this as soon as…
A tooth replacement procedure is necessary when someone has lost their natural teeth. Teeth play an important role in maintaining good health and oral functions like chewing and speaking, so tooth loss can be quite devastating. Fortunately, there are many tooth replacement options available today to replace missing teeth.Options available for those who have missing…
One of the more conservative procedures offered as part of a smile makeover is composite dental bonding. Read on to learn more about this restorative procedure. The procedure involves using composite resin to restore a tooth's structural integrity while also improving its look. Dental bonding may be used to fix problems including stained teeth, gapped…