Sudden Tooth Pain at Night? What You Should Do Right Away

Tooth pain can be overwhelming, especially if it comes on suddenly at night. Many of us have had the experience of having a sharp throbbing pain that keeps us awake and leaves us unsure of what to do. Knowing how to respond right away can stop the situation from getting worse, regardless of how bad it is. It’s essential to remain composed and take appropriate action if you’re having tooth pain at night. This blog will provide crucial steps to take in the event of a dental emergency at night, along with the reasons why seeing an emergency dentist is often the best option. 

If your tooth hurts or you need an emergency dental appointment, do not delay!

Call Us at (508) 684-2607 for immediate help.

Why Do You Have Dental Pain at Night?

There are several causes for tooth pain. Cavities, gum infections, tooth sensitivity, and even more complicated conditions like abscesses are the most frequent causes. Pain may feel worse at night for several reasons. 

• Decreased Distractions: When you’re asleep, there’s less to distract you, making pain more noticeable.
• Positioning: Lying down improves blood flow to the head, which may worsen dental pain. 
• Teeth Grinding: Many people grind their teeth while sleeping, which can cause pain or soreness upon waking. 

It’s crucial to seek an experienced emergency dentist right away if you notice the pain worsening or lasting for several days. 

How Do You Handle Unexpected Tooth Pain at Night?

It’s critical to take quick action to manage your discomfort if you’re awake and in pain during the night until you can seek medical attention. Here are some suggestions for momentary pain relief. 

Take an Over-the-Counter Pain Reliever

Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help reduce inflammation and ease dental pain. Make sure you take the prescribed dosage as directed. Before taking any medicine, you should consult your dentist.

Apply a Cold Compress

• Apply a cloth-wrapped ice pack or a cold compress to the affected area outside your cheek. The cold helps relieve pain and reduce swelling. 
• With breaks in between, apply the compress for 15 to 20 minutes at a time. 

Avoid Pressure on the Tooth

Steer clear of chewing on the side of your mouth that hurts. Eating or drinking can make the pain worse, particularly if the tooth is heat or cold-sensitive. 

Rinse With Warm Saltwater

Rinse your mouth after adding half a teaspoon of salt to a glass of warm water. If an infection is present, this can help clean the area and lessen swelling. 

Elevate Your Head While Sleeping

Lying down with your head elevated can help reduce blood flow to the affected area and lessen the pain. You can use additional pillows to elevate your head. 

When Should You Get Emergency Dentistry?

While you can use the above-mentioned treatment options to help reduce tooth pain temporarily, none of them will treat the underlying problem that is causing the tooth to hurt. You should contact an emergency dentist in Holden as soon as possible if any of the following apply to you:

• The pain persists for more than 24 hours
• You develop swelling or fever. These symptoms are usually a sign of a dental infection
• You have a visible abscess (a bump resembling a pimple) on or near the painful area of your tooth
• You have recently suffered a dental injury, such as a crack or loss of a tooth
• You are unable to control mild to moderate pain with over-the-counter medications

An emergency dentist can quickly and accurately diagnose your condition and determine whether an infection, cavity, or other trauma requires urgent medical treatment, including root canal therapy, tooth extraction, or antibiotic therapy.

How an Emergency Dentist Can Assist You

An emergency dentist will provide fast, accurate treatment for your tooth pain by identifying the cause and beginning treatment promptly. Treatment options offered by an emergency dentist may include:

• Dental X-rays: These images can detect dental issues such as cavities, infections, and abscesses that cannot be seen with the naked eye.
• Root Canal Therapy: If an infection has spread deep into the tooth, a root canal can save the tooth and alleviate the pain.
• Tooth Extraction: If the tooth is severely damaged or infected, extraction might be the best option.
• Prescription Medication: For pain management or antibiotics to treat infections.

Preventing Future Tooth Pain at Night

Toothaches can be very disruptive and stressful, especially if they occur at night. Once you’ve treated the cause of your toothache, here are some recommendations for preventing future tooth problems:

• Maintain a Good Oral Hygiene Routine: Brush and floss at least twice a day to help remove plaque and prevent cavities.
• Avoid Grinding Your Teeth: If you grind your teeth at night, consider getting a mouth guard to protect your teeth from damage.
• Regular Dental Check-ups: Get 6-month check-ups to detect dental issues and receive preventive care.

Conclusion: Don’t Let Tooth Pain Disrupt Your Night

While tooth pain can be concerning, there is help available. By getting prompt attention from a qualified emergency dentist in Holden, you can ensure your comfort and health. For urgent dental care or treatment for a toothache, contact Khanani Family Dental. We provide expert, compassionate care when you need it most. Don’t wait until your toothache becomes intolerable; call us for a consultation today!

FAQs

What causes tooth pain during sleeping hours?

Many factors can lead to discomfort during sleep or tooth pain. This could be due to a cavity, an infection in the tooth, or possibly bruxism (grinding). In addition, it can be challenging to sleep without distractions; therefore, a person has a more acute perception of their pain.

Can a cold compress help with tooth pain?

A cold compress will relieve pressure on the nerve and temporarily reduce tooth pain caused by swelling by numbing the area. Please remember to never put ice directly on bare skin—always cover it with a towel.

How long should you wait for emergency dental treatment?

Emergency dental treatment is necessary if you have a persistent toothache for over 24 hours, develop a fever or swelling, or experience trauma to the mouth.

How do I stop grinding my teeth at night?

A night mouth guard can protect your teeth from being damaged by grinding them through the use of the teeth grinding during the night. Consult with your dentist or a general practitioner to determine which night guard best meets your needs.

How do I treat a tooth abscess without seeing a dentist?

Your dentist usually treats tooth abscesses, though some people try home remedies to reduce pain. You should see your dentist as soon as possible to have your tooth abscess treated and to receive antibiotics or drainage for any additional infection.

What is a root canal, and when is it necessary?

A root canal is a dental procedure that removes infected tissue within a tooth. If a tooth pulp is infected, it will most likely cause significant pain and swelling, requiring you to get the tooth fixed.

How do I avoid having tooth pain in the future?

You can reduce tooth pain by keeping your teeth and mouth clean through good oral hygiene, using a night guard to minimize teeth grinding (if you grind your teeth), and regularly visiting your dentist for routine check-ups to prevent additional problems like cavities or gum disease.