Life in Queens, NY, can be hectic. After a long day at work, imagine this: You have completed all the tasks of the day and just had a nice dinner. You are tired and lie down on your bed. You are ready to sleep peacefully for the night. Then, your tooth starts throbbing with pain, which spreads to your jaws and head.
There is nothing worse than being forced to deal with a severe toothache at night when most dentists are not available. In such cases, a Middle Village, Queens emergency dentist who operates 24/7 can help. However, if no one can help you during the night, there are a few steps you can take to manage the pain until the morning.
In this blog, you will learn a few tips and home remedies for toothache relief at night.
Steps to take when you have a toothache at night
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Oral pain medication.
During the night, when you cannot visit your dentist right away, over-the-counter medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can be effective. Some evidence suggests that NSAIDs are better than opioid painkillers for managing dental pain.
Dentists often recommend NSAIDs for dental pain. Maintaining the dosage as mentioned in the package is advised. It is best not to take stronger painkillers unless you speak to a dentist.
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Use a cold compress.
Cold compress is a classic way to relieve tooth pain. Take some ice cubes and wrap them in a piece of thin cloth or towel. Hold it to the side of your face where it hurts for about 10 minutes. Take a 5-minute break and do the same. Continue to do so until you get relief.
Repeating this for an hour should reduce the pain and inflammation for the night.
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Choose the right sleeping position.
When you are suffering a toothache during the night, the best position to sleep in is by elevating your head. Take a pillow of high height or stack two pillows together. This will keep the blood from reaching your head and the affected area and reduce pressure in the mouth. Pooling blood in the head can cause additional pain and inflammation.
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Medicated ointments.
Some medicated ointments can help reduce toothache pain. Over-the-counter numbing gels and ointments with ingredients like benzocaine can numb the area. However, benzocaine should not be used for children under 2 years old.
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Watch what you eat.
You are probably going to see your dentist in the morning. If you have to postpone your appointment further than that, it is important to be careful about what you eat until you see your dentist. Avoid eating foods and drinking beverages that can worsen your condition. Do not have something too hot or cold, and lay off acidic beverages.
Depending on the severity of your toothache, you may have to eat soft foods and chew on the other side of the mouth.
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Tea tree oil.
Did you know that tea tree oil is an antiseptic? It is great for reducing toothache and decreasing the chances of an infection. To apply tea tree oil in the affected area, mix a few drops of it in some water. Then, a cotton swab is applied directly to the affected tooth.
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Salt or warm water rinse.
Finally, if your toothache is not very severe, a simple salt or warm water rinse should be enough. It is a common home remedy carried on from generation to generation. Saltwater is a natural antibacterial agent that reduces inflammation and protects teeth from infection. It also removes food particles or debris stuck in the teeth and gums.
Visit your dentist today!
Being stuck with a toothache at night when no dentist is available can be upsetting. It helps to be aware of emergency dentists in Queens, NY, for these situations. Do not delay visiting your dentist; book your appointment the next morning!
