When a sudden or sharp toothache occurs at night, it can feel terrible. The pain can be so severe that it might impair your sleep and thinking potential. You may start to panic, wondering what’s wrong and how serious it could be.
It’s understandable; oral pain often hits hardest when help seems farthest away; that’s why knowing what to do in those crucial nighttime hours can make all the difference.
If you’re looking for an emergency dentist in NW Calgary, here’s what you can do right now to manage the pain safely before you get professional help.
What Causes Sudden Nighttime Toothaches?
Tooth pain can happen for several reasons, as stated below:
- Lying down increases blood flow to the head, making inflammation and pressure more intense.
- Teeth grinding while sleeping can cause sensitivity.
- Cavities or infections may become more noticeable without daytime distractions.
The pain may start mildly but quickly become unbearable; that’s why taking early action is critical.
What Stops Tooth Pain Immediately?
When the pain strikes in the middle of the night, immediate relief becomes your priority. So, what stops tooth pain immediately?
Below are a few safer remedies to stop tooth pain immediately:
- Rinse with Warm Salt Water: Acts as a mild disinfectant and reduces inflammation.
- Use a Cold Compress: Numbs the area and reduces swelling.
- Over-the-Counter Painkillers: Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help control the pain, but follow dosage instructions carefully.
- Elevate Your Head: Sleeping with your head slightly raised helps reduce pressure and throbbing.
These methods can help until you can see a dentist in NW Calgary the next morning.
Should You Go to the ER for Tooth Pain?
You might be thinking, What will the ER do for tooth pain?
The emergency room can provide short-term dental care:
- They offer pain medications or antibiotics if there is an infection.
- Consider referrals to rule out serious infections that may impact other parts of your body.
Hospitals are not allowed to intervene in dental procedures such as extractions or root canals. For this reason, you should visit the ER only as a last resort if your dentist’s clinic is closed and you are in severe pain or there is swelling in your face or neck.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait Until Morning If It’s Serious
If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, contact a dentist near you as soon as possible:
- Swelling in your jaw or face
- High fever
- Bleeding that won’t stop
- Broken tooth with exposed nerve
- Sudden injury causing a loose or knocked-out tooth
These signs may point to an urgent condition that should not wait. Delaying care could lead to serious infections, tooth loss, or even long-term damage to your oral health.
How to Sleep with a Toothache Until You Can See a Dentist
Pain management at night is all about keeping inflammation down and your mind calm:
- Avoid lying flat; elevate your head with pillows
- Avoid consumption of hot, cold, or sugary foods and drinks
- Gently use your toothbrush and floss to brush away food particles
- Keep the room dark and quiet to help you rest.
While the above strategies do not necessarily solve the problem, they can help to alleviate some of the problem, making it easier to manage until the morning.
The Importance of Consulting an Emergency Dentist Immediately
Do not ignore it. Toothaches do not go away on their on; they are usually a sign of decay, infection, or trauma that will worsen over time. Visiting a dentist will help you from getting an expensive and painful treatment down the line.
What Will Your Dentist Likely Do?
After you visit a dentist in NW Calgary, they will:
- Evaluate the area to determine the cause of pain
- If needed, take X-rays
- Propose a treatment that may or may not include a filling, root canal, or extraction
If it is an infection, you will most likely need to take an antibiotic before the procedure is complete
Don’t Let It Get Worse
A toothache at night can turn into a nightmare if ignored. While temporary relief is possible, professional care is the only way to truly solve the issue. Acting fast helps preserve your tooth, ease your anxiety, and protect your overall health.
Pain Doesn’t Wait, Neither Should You
If you’re suffering from sudden dental pain, don’t delay. Contact Spy Hill Dental Clinic right away for compassionate emergency care and lasting relief.
