What should I do if my toothache is so severe that I can't sleep?

Jun 27, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

My friend had a toothache last night so severe that he couldn't fall asleep. What should one do when a toothache is so bad that it prevents sleep?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Guo Huijie
When tooth pain keeps you from sleeping, the following measures can be taken to alleviate it: 1. **Cold compress**: Try applying a cold compress to the affected area, which can help reduce pain to some extent. 2. **Medication**: If the pain is severe, painkillers such as ibuprofen may be taken as directed by a physician. Antibiotics such as metronidazole, ornidazole, or cefradine may also be used to assist in treatment and relieve pain. 3. **Seek professional treatment**: If the above methods fail to effectively alleviate the pain, it is recommended to visit a qualified dental hospital or clinic as soon as possible. The dentist will perform emergency treatment on the affected tooth according to the specific situation, such as pulp opening and drainage, to rapidly relieve the pain. 4. **Daily care**: While waiting for professional treatment, avoid consuming excessively cold, hot, or hard foods to prevent worsening of the pain. At the same time, maintaining good oral hygiene habits, such as regular tooth brushing and flossing, can help prevent the occurrence of oral diseases. If you have any concerns, please consult a relevant medical professional.