A tooth infection, commonly known as a dental abscess, is a serious medical condition where a pocket of pus forms due to a bacterial infection inside the tooth or gum tissue. This condition demands professional dental care, as it will not resolve on its own and can lead to severe complications. The throbbing pain associated with a tooth abscess often makes sleeping nearly impossible. This guide offers strategies to manage the discomfort and improve sleep quality until professional treatment is obtained.
Why the Pain Intensifies at Night
The throbbing sensation often feels worse at night due to physiological factors that occur when the body shifts into a horizontal position. When you lie down, blood flow naturally increases toward the head and mouth. This pooling effect raises the blood pressure in the localized area of the abscess, which is already inflamed and confined within rigid structures like the tooth and jawbone.
This heightened pressure directly strains the sensitive nerves within the infected dental pulp, amplifying the pain signals. Additionally, the body’s natural defense mechanism against pain may be less active during sleep. Chemicals that reduce inflammation and pain perception during the day have lower levels at night. Furthermore, the lack of daytime distractions allows the brain to focus more intently on the pain, making it feel more severe and constant.
Immediate Positional and Local Remedies
Changing your sleeping position helps reduce pressure-related pain. Elevating your head with multiple pillows or using a wedge pillow helps counteract the blood pooling effect caused by lying flat. Keeping your head higher than your heart encourages better circulation and reduces blood flow to the inflamed area, which can decrease the throbbing sensation.
Applying a cold compress to the cheek over the infected area provides localized relief from pain and swelling. Cold therapy constricts the underlying blood vessels, limiting blood flow to the site of inflammation. Wrap a gel pack or ice cubes in a thin cloth and apply it externally for 15 to 20 minutes at a time, removing it for at least 20 minutes before reapplying.
Rinsing the mouth with a warm salt water solution can temporarily clean and soothe the area. Saltwater acts as a mild antiseptic and helps to draw out fluids, reducing localized inflammation. Dissolve about half a teaspoon of salt in one cup of warm water and gently swish the solution around the affected tooth for 30 seconds before spitting it out. Repeat this process several times throughout the evening as needed.
Over the Counter Pain Relief
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications offer relief by targeting pain and inflammation. Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, are often recommended because they reduce swelling and inflammation, directly addressing a primary cause of the throbbing pain. Taking a dose of ibuprofen approximately 30 minutes before bedtime can help manage inflammation throughout the night.
Acetaminophen, which targets pain signals in the brain, is an alternative option, particularly for those who cannot take NSAIDs due to stomach issues or other health concerns. For severe pain, alternating or combining a dose of ibuprofen and acetaminophen can offer more comprehensive relief, as they work through different mechanisms. Always adhere strictly to the dosage instructions on the package and consult a pharmacist or doctor regarding maximum daily doses and potential interactions with other medications.
Recognizing Signs of Severe Infection
It is paramount to understand that temporary home remedies and pain relievers are not a substitute for professional dental treatment; an abscess will not heal on its own. The infection contained within the tooth can quickly spread to other parts of the head and neck, potentially becoming life-threatening. You should seek immediate emergency medical attention, such as an emergency room visit, if the infection progresses beyond localized pain.
Signs that the infection has spread include:
- A persistent fever of 100.4°F or higher.
- Severe facial swelling that rapidly increases, or swelling that moves down the neck.
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing, indicating the swelling is constricting the airway or throat.
- A rapid heart rate, confusion, dizziness, or a general feeling of being unwell, which can be indicators of sepsis.