Sleeping with a toothache is not easy. It can be downright painful. But there are ways to make it more comfortable and to get some relief from the pain. If the toothache is due to a cavity or infection, it may be necessary to get the tooth extracted. This will prevent further infection and the resulting pain. However, it is important to speak to a dentist before attempting any sort of home remedy or extraction.
If you can’t seem to find a dentist nearby and the situation is near-emergency, try checking out a site similar to https://serphomeliving.com/dental/best/teeth-extractions-charlotte-nc for a virtual consultancy. The dentist, after accessing your situation, will administer a sedative to keep the pain at bay until the problematic tooth is extracted.
That being said, if the pain you are suffering is because you just got a tooth extraction done, then navigating through this blog will surely be helpful for you. Whether you are wondering how to sleep after tooth extraction, or are looking for some easy ways to soothe swollen gums, here are a few tips for sleeping with a toothache.
1. Use a cold compress to reduce swelling and inflammation
When you have a toothache, you can use a cold compress to help reduce the swelling and inflammation. Simply put a cold, damp cloth on the outside of your cheek over the affected tooth.
Hold it there for several minutes at a time. You can also put an ice pack on the area. Essentially, a cold compress works by numbing the area and reducing blood flow. This can help to reduce pain and swelling before you fall asleep.
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2. Take ibuprofen or Oxycodone for pain relief
Ibuprofen and Oxycodone are both medications that can be taken for relief from toothache pain. Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, while Oxycodone is a pain reliever. If you’re planning to buy these, it might be a good idea to know the street value of Oxycodone and Ibuprofen, so that you don’t spend extra amount for these drugs.
It is generally safe to take ibuprofen and acetaminophen at the same time, just be careful not to take more than the recommended dose. Additionally, if you are currently taking any other over-the-counter pain medications, it is important to check for any potential interactions.
3. Rinse your mouth with salt water several times a day
To make a saltwater mouthwash, dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of warm water. Swish the rinse around in your mouth for 30 seconds and spit it out. Repeat several times a day. The salt will help to reduce the swelling and inflammation, and will also help to kill any bacteria that may be causing the toothache.
4. Avoid crunchy or chewy foods
When you have a toothache, it’s important to avoid crunchy or chewy foods. These can aggravate the pain and make it worse.
Stick to soft, bland foods that won’t cause any discomfort. This will help to soothe the soreness and promote healing.
Some popular dishes to try when you have a toothache are listed below:
- Soup
- Mushy peas
- Porridge
- Yogurt
- Ice cream
- Mashed potato
5. Suck on ice chips to relieve pain and discomfort
Sucking on ice chips at bedtime can help to relieve pain and discomfort from a toothache. The coldness of the ice can help to numb the area and reduce inflammation. For a tasty alternative home remedy, try freezing cubes of sugar-free flavored water.
6. Take a bath
After a long day, taking a bath can help you to relax before bed and relieve a nagging toothache. The warm water will help to soothe the area and the bubbles will help to keep your face clean. You can even add a few drops of lavender oil to the bath for an added calming effect.
7. Have a soothing drink
There is a lot of research out there to suggest that mint teas can numb the pain and soothe sore gums. Simply brew your favorite blend and slowly sip to feel the benefits. If necessary, you can apply a warm mint tea bag to your tooth for an additional boost. You can also try THC drinks (like those available on wccannabis), since cannabis is said to have pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. A cannabis drink might not only help you relieve tooth pain, but it may also help you fall asleep faster.
8. Position yourself carefully
When you have a toothache, it’s important to take care of yourself and get some rest. Sleeping with your head elevated can help reduce the pain and inflammation caused by toothache especially if you have recently undergone a wisdom teeth removal procedure. By keeping your head elevated, you can keep any unwanted pressure off of your tooth, which can ease any pain.
Always speak to a dentist if your toothache gets worse
Ultimately, if you find yourself in the unfortunate position of having a persistent toothache at night that stops you from sleeping, you must contact your dentist. There are many different reasons why people experience tooth pain and some of these may be serious enough to require emergency dental services.
If your toothache worsens or if there are any other symptoms present alongside the pain such as fever, swelling, or redness in the gums, then you should make an appointment to see your dentist as soon as possible. Toothaches can be caused by many different things including cavities, infections, and abscesses. If the spread of decay is bad enough, dental root canals may be required to stop the spread. This is generally a long procedure done across multiple appointments, so the sooner it is started, the sooner you would be rid of the pain.
Moreover, if you have recently undergone a wisdom tooth extraction procedure, this could also be contributing to the pain. Above all, no matter what the cause of your toothache is, try to avoid sleeping on your side, and remember to keep up with your oral hygiene by brushing your teeth regularly and using mouthwash.