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Our teeth are vital to our quality of life because they allow us to consume food and speak better. After a long day, we expect to get a good night's sleep until we wake up and experience a painful toothache. Toothaches are notorious for interrupting our daily routines and causing discomfort, and the slightest pain can affect the rest of the body.
Experiencing toothaches at night is particularly uncomfortable and can be hard to diagnose. Toothaches can be caused by several factors, including an infection, tooth decay, or even a broken tooth. If left untreated, toothaches can lead to further complications, such as jaw pain or headaches. It pays to know what causes nightly toothaches, and the good news is that there are ways to treat them without visiting your dentist. Few people understand how they work, so we will discuss the details in this article.
What Causes Toothaches?
The most common causes of toothaches are as follows:
Dental Health Issues
Dental health issues can cause toothaches, such as cavities, periodontal disease, and pulpitis. These issues can cause pain due to bacterial infection, inflammation, or tooth decay.
Bruxism
Bruxism is a condition where people grind or clench their teeth. It is a prevalent condition and can cause toothaches due to excessive pressure on the teeth. It can cause jaw pain, headaches, and other oral health problems.
Stuck Food Particles
Stuck food particles can cause toothaches as well. Foods that are difficult to chew or get stuck between teeth can cause pain and irritation. Flossing regularly is recommended to remove any stuck food particles and prevent toothaches.
Wrong Position When Lying Down
There is a reason why keeping your head elevated when lying down is essential. If you lay down in the wrong position, the fluids in your head can become unbalanced, causing pain in the jaw area. The best way to avoid this is to ensure your head is elevated by sleeping with a pillow and not lying in awkward positions.
Managing Nightly Toothaches
There are several ways to treat nightly toothaches without going to the dentist. These include:
Maintaining an Oral Healthcare Routine
Having a good oral hygiene routine is essential for preventing and treating toothaches. This includes brushing your teeth twice daily, flossing daily, and using an antibacterial mouthwash. However, this does not stop there because you should use the best dental healthcare products, such as a soft-bristled toothbrush, fluoride toothpaste, antibacterial mouthwash, and dental floss.
Gargle with a Hot Saltwater Solution
Mix one teaspoon of salt with 8 ounces of warm water and gargle. This will help reduce inflammation and can provide temporary relief from a toothache.
Use Clove Oil
Clove oil is a natural remedy for tooth pain. It contains eugenol, an anesthetic, and an antiseptic that can help reduce swelling and provide numbing relief. Simply apply a few drops of clove oil to a cotton swab directly to the affected tooth.
Ice Pack or Cold Compress
Applying an ice pack or cold compress to the outside of your face near the affected tooth can help reduce inflammation and pain. Hold the ice pack against your cheek for 10 to 15 minutes.
Over-The-Counter Medications
Over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen or aspirin can help reduce the pain associated with toothache. Make sure to follow the instructions on the package and do not take more than the recommended dosage.
When to See a Dentist
If the pain persists for more than a few days or is severe, you must see a dentist as soon as possible. The dentist can diagnose the cause of the pain and recommend the best course of treatment.
Conclusion
Nightly toothaches are painful, so you must take it upon yourself to ensure you do what you can to prevent them. The best way of doing this is by maintaining a good oral healthcare routine, including visits to your dentist. This way, you can ensure that any dental issues that could lead to toothaches are caught early.
If you’re looking for dentists in Ann Arbor, MI, Dental House MI can help you! We understand the value of oral health, so we will ensure you get the best care to maintain it. Call (734) 794-3656 today to schedule an appointment!
