What To Do About A Toothache At Night Before Seeing Your Dentist In The Morning.

It's the middle of the night and you are awoken by excruciating pain. It's a toothache. So powerful it woke you from your dream-your dream about a toothache. You sit up in bed, touch the side of your face and suddenly realize it's real. Your toothache was so powerful it became the antagonist in your dream.


Pain, however, is a good thing. Yep, I'll say it again. "Pain-Is-A-Good-Thing"... "Why?" -You ask. Think of pain as our body's DEFCON level. When we feel no pain we are at DEFCON 5. All is well in the oral world and we have no enemies. Until that is plaque and gingivitis begin their assault. That's when pain let's us know something is amiss and we need to locate the problem.

As the day progresses, your oral defense-condition dwindles to DEFCON 3. A mild toothache is on the horizon but you've dismissed it as perhaps a wayward popcorn kernel, or maybe you were chomping on your gum like a horse. Either way, you ignore it-even though the pain is sending you warnings of incoming enemies.

You brush your teeth and floss-and for the moment, they feel better. Your oral state seems to be back to DEFCON 5. You get in bed and fall asleep peacefully only to have dreams of a giant molar chasing you with a Louisville slugger. You wake up in a cold sweat; with a toothache-DEFCON 1. It's 4 a.m and your dentist isn't open. What do you do until the cavalry comes?

Here are a few tips to combat the enemy toothache until you see your dentist in the morning.

1.Gently floss in between the sore tooth to remove any food debris or particles that may be lodged there.

2.Gently rinse your mouth out with warm salt water.

3.Purchase an over-the-counter pain reliever such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen (acetaminophen, if it is for a child age 2 or older) and take according to directions on the package.

4.You can apply oil of cloves or an over the counter antiseptic that contains benzocaine directly onto the gums or tooth. Both of these act as a numbing agent to temporarily relieve pain. Never place anything else such as aspirin or other pain relievers near the tooth or on the gum because they can cause the gum tissue to burn.

5.A cold compress can be applied to the facial area if a trauma has occurred, to reduce pain and swelling.

This should force the enemy combatants and the plaque brigade to back off until we can properly assess and diagnose the problem. Keep your oral Defensive Condition in tact by brushing twice daily and flossing. A peaceful mouth is a clean mouth.