Toothache Tips
There is nothing like trying to get a good night's sleep while you have a throbbing pain in your mouth. Even if you plan to go to a next day dentistry service, you still have to get through the night. There is a reason that teeth and ears tend to hurt more at night, which also means there are ways to combat the pain that comes with night. Below, you can learn how to manage a toothache so that neither your nights nor your days are quite so difficult.
Avoid Usual Nightly Positions
One reason that your tooth hurts more at night is because you lay down and gravity takes over. While you are sitting up, some of the infection that is putting pressure on the nerve of the tooth may be spread through your jaw. When you lay down, gravity draws that infection to the lowest point it can reach, so there is more pressure on the nerves of your teeth. In some cases, this pressure may even lead to an earache. Avoid this issue by remaining slightly elevated. Use a recliner or prop a pillow behind your back so you can still get rest, but not bring on more pain than you have to.
Taste the Flavor of Cloves
Whether you use actual cloves or clove oil, you can rely on the eugenol to help relieve the pain in many cases. Avoid getting any clove oil on the surrounding area because it can cause discomfort and mild pain. Below are some of the ways you can apply clove oil to your cavity in order to deaden some of the pain of your toothache.
- Dip a cotton swab in clove oil or add a few drops to the swab. Place the swab directly on the area that is causing the pain. Gently bite down to squeeze some of the oil out.
- Use an eye dropper to place the drops directly on the affected area. It may be helpful to have someone else do this since they may have a better view than you do.
- Place a clove or two on the affected area. Gently bite down to release the oil in the clove.
Rinse with Warm Salt Water
Warm salt water can help relieve some of the pain, but it also helps remove any debris that may be stuck in the tooth so that bacteria doesn't have a new reason to thrive. Simply mix about a teaspoon of salt with about a quarter cup of warm water. Swish the water around in your mouth, making sure to cover the affected area. Spit the water out when done.
It's a good idea to be prepared with the contact information and hours of a local same day dentist (such as Ashton Randall P DDS) just for these situations. In the meantime, use the techniques here and avoid sugary or cold foods that may aggravate the problem further.
