What to Do for a Toothache at Night
Disease description:
Recently, I have frequently experienced tooth pain during the nighttime. A friend mentioned it might be acute pulpitis. May I ask, what should I do if my tooth hurts at night?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Guo Huijie
When experiencing toothache at night, the following measures can be taken to alleviate the pain:
1. Self-relief: You can try rinsing your mouth with strong salt water, as it has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects and can temporarily relieve toothache. In addition, applying an ice pack or cold compress to the affected side of your face can numb the pain nerves and reduce the discomfort.
2. Medication: If the pain is severe and pain-relieving medications such as acetaminophen tablets or ibuprofen sustained-release capsules are available at home, you may take them as needed, but be sure to follow the recommended dosage and frequency.
3. Emergency medical care: If the above methods fail to effectively relieve the pain, or if the toothache worsens continuously, it is recommended to seek medical attention immediately for diagnosis and treatment by a qualified dentist.
If the pain cannot be relieved or symptoms worsen, prompt medical consultation is necessary to avoid delaying treatment. Meanwhile, maintaining good oral hygiene habits and undergoing regular dental checkups can help prevent toothaches.
