Three Steps to Dealing With an Exposed Nerve Before the Dentist Opens

If you crack a tooth, you may be able to wait until later in the week or even the next week to go to the dentist. There are other times when you crack a tooth and you realize that you will need to see a dentist immediately. If you crack a tooth and expose the nerve, you will feel immediate pain. If this happens at night and you need to wait for the dentist to open up shop for your dental emergency, there are some steps that you should take to make your mouth more comfortable during the wait. 

Cover the tooth

The nerve of the tooth being exposed to the air is one of the reasons why your tooth will experience pain. Get a piece of cotton and put it at the base of the chip of the tooth. A piece of cotton is soft enough so that it will not press up against the nerve and cause it any irritation. A piece of a cotton ball is also pliable enough to stay inside of the mouth and not bother the other teeth. Keep the tooth covered with the cotton so that it will keep your mouth more comfortable.

Drink only room temperature foods

The nerve of the tooth being exposed to anything hot or cold will cause the tooth major irritation. Only drink foods that are room temperature or slightly warmer. This will keep your mouth from being exposed to the cold or extreme heat and possibly causing any nerve damage. Be sure to get a straw to drink out of, so that you can bypass your teeth in general when you consume any liquids over the course of the night. 

Lay on your back with your head raised

Though it may be difficult to sleep with the pain of a toothache, it will be a good idea to lay down and get some rest. Lay down and place a pillow underneath your neck and head. You want your neck and head to sit up a little in the event that your tooth had an abscess that is draining. You also do not want to lay on either of your sides or your stomach, as you could irritate your mouth further. Laying in a cool, dark room with your head elevated can get you a little bit of rest before you take care of your dental emergency the next morning. 

For more tips on dealing with dental emergencies, check out http://www.capefamilydental.com/.