There are very few things that are more frustrating than trying to fall asleep at night only to be kept up by the pain of a toothache. Toothache at night can feel particularly intense, and the lack of distractions can make the pain even more noticeable. While there are ways to manage tooth pain at night temporarily with painkillers, it is important not to ignore persistent or severe symptoms. If you need urgent care, you can arrange an emergency dental appointment in Manchester. Keep reading as we discover why toothache sometimes becomes worse at night and what you can do to relieve symptoms until you can see a dentist the next day.
Why is Toothache Worse at Night?
One reason that toothache can feel worse when you go to bed is your sleeping position. When you lie down flat, this changes the blood flow and pressure around an inflamed tooth and can contribute to increased throbbing or discomfort. Severe mouth or tooth pain can often feel worse when lying flat, which is why sleeping slightly propped up may help to reduce tooth pain at night. Another key factor for increased discomfort at night is that there are fewer distractions. During the day, work and other activities can take your attention away from the pain. When everything becomes quiet and dark in bed, even a mild toothache can feel much more prominent and lead you to wonder if you should call an emergency dentist in Manchester.
How to Relieve Toothache at Night
If you develop a toothache shortly before bed, the goal should be to control the symptoms safely while arranging dental care as soon as possible to see what the cause of the pain is. Keeping your head elevated is one of the easiest ways to reduce discomfort before you can see a Manchester emergency dentist. Rather than lying completely flat, try resting with your head raised on an extra pillow. This may reduce the throbbing sensation that often comes with lying down and can make it easier to fall asleep.
Paracetamol or ibuprofen can help relieve dental pain for many adults. Follow the dosage instructions on the packaging and do not exceed the recommended amount no matter how much pain you are in. Adults may be able to take paracetamol and ibuprofen together if necessary, but you should check that both medicines are suitable for you and follow the relevant instructions for each product. Before you sleep, a warm salt-water rinse can help to keep the mouth clean and may provide some temporary relief. It is recommended that you dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water, rinse and then spit it out instead of swallowing it.
What to Avoid When You Have Toothache
It can be tempting to try anything when you are awake at night with severe tooth pain, but some home remedies can cause more harm than good. Do not place aspirin directly against your tooth or gum, as this can irritate or damage the soft tissues in your mouth. Do not exceed recommended doses of painkillers and never use products directly on your sore tooth that are not designed for this purpose. It is also best not to smoke, as this can make some dental problems worse. Most importantly, remember that pain relief only manages the symptom and does not repair any damage to your tooth. Problems such as tooth decay, a crack, a damaged filling or an infection all need professional dental support as soon as possible.”
When to See an Emergency Dentist
Emergency dental care in Manchester is something you should consider if you have ongoing pain. Not every episode of toothache at night requires an emergency appointment. However, severe pain that is preventing you from sleeping or carrying out normal activities, especially when you have already tried taking painkillers, is a reason to seek urgent dental support. You should arrange an urgent dental appointment if you have severe or persistent tooth pain or toothache that repeatedly wakes you during the night. Swelling around the tooth, gum, cheek or jaw and significant pain when biting are other indications that your pain needs further investigation.
Other symptoms that require a dental check-up include a bad taste in your mouth alongside tooth pain and a high temperature or feeling generally unwell, as these could indicate a serious infection or an abscess. A dental abscess will not usually resolve by itself and needs treatment from a dentist.
Some symptoms require more than an urgent dental appointment. If swelling around your mouth, throat or neck is making it difficult to breathe, swallow or speak, seek emergency medical help. Significant swelling around the eye or problems with your eyesight also require immediate attention. In these situations, go to A&E at your local hospital or call 999 rather than waiting for a routine dental appointment.
For patients looking for emergency dental services in Manchester, seeking professional support promptly can help prevent a painful problem from becoming more serious. Contact us today for more information about the dental services we offer or to discuss any concerns you have about toothache at night.