Nighttime Dental Emergencies: What to Do When the Pain Strikes

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By Eldersburg Family Dental
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Imagine a situation: you are sleeping after a hectic day, and suddenly, you are awake with sharp tooth pain, and it is the middle of the night. 

Has it ever happened to you? 

Worry not, you are not alone. 

Nighttime dental emergencies can happen anywhere. You will not be able to find a dentist at this odd hour. However, you do need to take some action and stop the pain. Otherwise, the night will be wasted, and you will not get an ounce of sleep.

In this blog, you will get some tips to follow when dental emergencies strike at odd hours.

What are the Immediate Steps to Take?

Next time you experience a dental emergency at an odd hour, try these methods and see if you are getting any relief.

  1. Stay Calm

The first thing that you need to do is to stay calm. Panicking won’t help in anything. It can only worsen the situation. So, be calm and try to address the emergency. 

  1. Rinse with Salt Water

Salt water is good for temporary relief. Add a small amount of salt in warm water in a glass and let it mix well. If you are in pain, you can try rinsing your mouth with warm salt water. This will help in reducing the inflammation and soothe any irritation you have.

  1. Manage Pain

When in pain, the only thing you can think of is reducing it. For that, you have these two options:

  • Take over-the-counter pain relievers. This can work for temporary relief. But if the pain remains the same in the morning, you need to visit an emergency dentist in Eldersburg.
  • Another option is an ice pack. Prepare an ice pack and hold it outside your cheek for 10-15 minutes. Repeat this several times. This can reduce the swelling and numb the pain.
  1. Control Bleeding

If you notice bleeding from your gum or teeth, focus on controlling it. Try biting on a clean gauze pad for some time. But remember to bite gently; do not put too much pressure on it. 

  1. Drink Water

Another important step is drinking water. Water helps wash away the bacteria and also prevents dry mouth. A dry mouth can enhance the discomfort during a dental emergency. So, it is necessary to keep drinking water throughout the night.

How Can You Prevent Dental Emergencies?

Wouldn’t it be a better idea to prevent dental emergencies beforehand so you do not need to deal with such difficult situations?

Here’s how you can do that:

  • Have regular dental checkups. These will help your dentist to identify any concerning condition within time.
  • Use a mouthguard if you are into sports or activities like that. This will protect your teeth from sudden or accidental hits and falls.
  • Practice routine oral care. Proper brushing and flossing keep your teeth and overall mouth in a better and healthier position so you can better fight off harmful germs.

Nighttime dental emergencies can be unsettling. But knowing what to do can make all the difference. Remember to stay calm and act wisely. 

If you want to know more about this, contact our dental office today and book a session with our dental professional.

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