Tooth pain can strike at any time, but there’s something especially unbearable about it when it hits at night. The quiet of the evening and the inability to seek immediate help from a dentist can worsen tooth pain at night. Whether it’s from tooth decay, gum disease, or an impacted tooth, dealing with this discomfort quickly and effectively is important. If you’re wondering how to stop tooth pain fast at home at night, there are several remedies you can try to relieve tooth pain and get the restful sleep you need.
Common Causes of Tooth Pain at Night
Before diving into the remedies, it’s essential to understand why tooth pain can be particularly bothersome at night. Several factors can contribute to toothache pain when you’re lying down, including:
1. Tooth Decay
Tooth decay, or cavities, is a leading cause of tooth pain. When the decay reaches the sensitive pulp inside the tooth, it causes pain that can be especially noticeable when lying down. The position of your head can increase blood flow to the affected tooth, making the pain worse. For urgent and professional dental care, visit Emergency Dentist Adelaide to get the help you need when tooth pain strikes.
2. Gum Disease
Gum disease can cause discomfort and sensitivity in the gums surrounding the teeth. When the tissue becomes inflamed or infected, it can be particularly painful at night. The inflammation in the gum tissue puts pressure on the surrounding nerves, leading to more noticeable dental pain while you’re at rest.
3. Tooth Fractures
Cracked or fractured teeth can cause sharp, sudden pain, especially when chewing or lying down. The position of your head at night may exacerbate the pain as the fracture can expose sensitive nerves inside the tooth.
4. Sinus Pressure
Sometimes, what seems like toothache pain can be due to sinus pressure. The sinuses are located near the upper teeth, and sinus infections can cause pain that mimics a toothache. This pain may intensify when you lie down, leading to discomfort at night.
5. Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMJ)
TMJ disorders can lead to jaw pain and discomfort, especially at night. If you clench or grind your teeth while sleeping, it can put a lot of pressure on the jaw joint, exacerbating tooth pain.
6. Impacted Wisdom Teeth
When wisdom teeth don’t have enough space to come in properly, they can cause significant pain. This pain can be especially intense at night due to pressure from the surrounding teeth or the gums.
7. Tooth Sensitivity
Sometimes, tooth pain is caused by tooth sensitivity, which occurs when the enamel protecting your teeth wears down. This can happen due to gum recession, eating acidic or sugary foods, or overbrushing. Sensitivity can worsen at night due to increased blood flow when lying down.
Fast Ways to Relieve Tooth Pain at Night
Now that we understand some of the common causes of tooth pain at night, here are some fast remedies to help you stop tooth pain fast at home at night and get back to a good night’s sleep.
1. Cold Compress
A cold compress is one of the most effective ways to reduce pain. Applying a cold compress to the outside of your cheek near the affected tooth can help reduce swelling and numb the area. The cold will constrict blood vessels and reduce inflammation, temporarily relieving toothache pain. Make sure to wrap the ice in a cloth or towel to avoid direct contact with your skin.
2. Salt Water Rinse
A salt water rinse is a great home remedy for toothache relief. It helps kill bacteria in the mouth, reduce inflammation, and clean out food particles that may contribute to the pain. Mix about a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water, and swish the solution around your mouth for 30 seconds to 1 minute. This rinse can help provide temporary relief and prevent further infection.
3. Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse
Hydrogen peroxide has natural antibacterial properties and can help reduce inflammation while killing bacteria in the mouth. Mix equal parts of hydrogen peroxide (3%) and water and rinse your mouth with the solution. Spit it out and rinse your mouth thoroughly with water afterwards.
4. Clove Oil
Clove oil is a natural pain reliever with natural numbing properties. Clove oil contains eugenol, which helps numb the affected area and relieve pain. Apply a small amount of clove oil to a cotton ball or swab and gently dab it on the affected tooth. The numbing effect should provide quick relief. For added benefits, clove oil also has natural antibacterial properties, which can help combat infections that might be causing the pain.
5. Over-the-Counter Pain Medications
If you’re looking for fast pain relief, over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce pain and inflammation. These medications are effective for many types of tooth pain and can help you get some sleep until you can see a dentist for further treatment. Be sure to follow the dosage instructions to avoid any complications.
6. Tea Bags
A warm, damp tea bag on the affected area can help relieve pain. Peppermint tea bags are known for their soothing properties and can help reduce swelling and tooth discomfort. Brew a cup of peppermint tea, cool down the tea bag, and place it against your painful tooth. The natural numbing properties of peppermint will provide relief.
7. Head Elevated
Elevating your head while sleeping can help reduce pressure on the affected area when you have a painful tooth, especially at night. When lying flat, blood rushes to the head, increasing pain. Using extra pillows or sleeping in a slightly reclined position can help alleviate some dental discomfort and make it easier to fall asleep.
8. Garlic Clove
Garlic has been used for centuries for its antibacterial properties. Crushing a garlic clove and applying it to the affected area can provide temporary relief. The allicin in garlic can help kill bacteria, while the natural oils in garlic may numb the pain. Be cautious if you have sensitive gums, as the garlic might irritate the tissue.
9. Medicated Ointment
Some pharmacies sell medicated ointments designed specifically for tooth pain. These ointments usually contain a numbing agent such as benzocaine, which can help numb the affected tooth temporarily. You can apply the ointment directly to the sore tooth using a cotton swab or cotton ball for quick pain relief.
10. Warm Water and Salt Rinse
If cold causes your tooth pain to worsen, try warm water and salt rinse. This will help reduce swelling and soothe the gum tissue around the painful tooth. Use a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and swish it in your mouth for relief.
11. Frozen Vegetables
If you don’t have an ice pack, you can use a bag of frozen vegetables as a makeshift cold compress. Wrap the frozen veggies in a towel and apply it to your cheek for temporary relief. This can help numb the area and reduce swelling until you get professional treatment.
When to See a Dentist
While these remedies can temporarily relieve tooth pain, it’s important to understand that they are not long-term solutions. If your tooth pain continues or worsens, it’s crucial to seek appropriate treatment from a Noosaville dentist at The Smile Workx clinic. Tooth pain can indicate an underlying issue like tooth decay, gum disease, or even a tooth fracture. Ignoring the pain can lead to further complications that may require more extensive dental procedures.
If the pain is severe and accompanied by swelling, or if you have other symptoms like fever or pus, consider visiting an emergency dentist or seeking a dental exam to get to the root of the problem.
Conclusion
If you’ve ever experienced tooth pain at night, you know how difficult it can be to get a good night’s sleep. The discomfort, combined with the quiet of the night, can make the pain feel worse. Luckily, you can try several home remedies and treatments to stop tooth pain fast at home at night. From cold compresses and saltwater rinses to clove oil and over-the-counter pain medications, there are plenty of options to provide temporary relief.
However, these remedies should not be substitutes for professional dental care. If your pain persists, seeing a dentist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan is essential. Taking care of your oral health is key to preventing future dental pain and ensuring a pain-free night’s sleep.
References
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326133
https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-get-rid-of-toothache-at-night
https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/cavities/four-homemade-toothache-remedie