How to Manage a Toothache at Night Before Your Dental Appointment

Did you know that around 3.5 billion people have oral diseases?

One of the most common ones is toothache. The severity of the toothache depends on the dental issue. Still, it needs immediate attention as it can indicate a deeper problem. 

You don’t have to endure the pain while preparing to go to the dentist. You can learn to manage it. Doing so is vital since toothaches can interfere with your daily activities. 

Do you want to learn how to relieve a toothache at night? Keep on reading for some tips on how to manage it.

DIY Mouthwash

A DIY mouthwash is effective at providing temporary relief for a sore tooth. You can treat a toothache at home by mixing a half teaspoon of salt with water. 

Salt can disinfect your mouth, and it can help loosen any particles stuck between your teeth. A saltwater rinse also reduces inflammation, which helps relieve pain. 

Another approach is using hydrogen peroxide as a rinse. It’s readily available in the supermarket or pharmacy. 

Make sure to dilute 3% hydrogen peroxide with equal parts of water. Don’t swallow it. 

A hydrogen peroxide rinse helps relieve pain and inflammation. It kills bacteria and reduces plaque. 

Cold Compress

Cold compress is a popular method for decreasing pain from any cause, including toothache. The temperature causes the blood vessels in the area to constrict, relieving pain. It also reduces any inflammation and swelling. 

Apply a cold pack to the area for about 20 minutes. Repeat periodically to help get rid of toothache. 

Even a bag of frozen vegetables or ice will do. Make sure to use a piece of cloth to protect your skin. 

Do the same to relieve toothache at night. It can help you relax and get a good night’s sleep. 

OTC Anti-Inflammatory Meds

If any of these remedies for toothache don’t work for you, you may need medication. Anti-inflammatory drugs, like ibuprofen and naproxen, work best on dental pain. 

These work because they block the enzyme that causes gum swelling, which provides relief. Other painkillers for toothache, such as acetaminophen, have a different mechanism. Although they still work, they relieve pain in another way. 

Ask your doctor or take medicine according to the packaging. You may also supplement your treatment with other at-home remedies. A combination of our tips should help you relax more at night. 

Avoid Eating Acidic Food

While waiting for your dental appointment, avoid foods that can trigger your toothache. Acidic, salty, and spicy kinds can aggravate the pain and your tooth decay symptoms. 

Avoid drinking sugary beverages before your bedtime, as well. When the bacteria become more active, you may experience worsening pain at night.

Learn More about Managing Toothache at Night

You may feel a worse toothache at night because you’re trying to relax. Any of our tips above should relieve pain long enough to get some sleep. 

Nevertheless, make sure to go to the dentist as soon as possible.

Are you looking for more helpful guides? Check out our other posts today.