How to Sleep With Toothache: Tips and Remedies for a Restful Night

Jump to Section

The International Journal of Dental Clinics is reader supported. We may earn a commission if you purchase something using one of our links.

Are you searching for some tips on how to sleep with toothache pain? Toothache can make falling and staying asleep difficult. To relieve pain, try over-the-counter pain relievers, a cold compress, or natural remedies such as clove oil or tea bags.

A toothache is a common dental issue that can be brought on by a variety of issues, including but not limited to cavities, gum disease, or a tooth that has been cracked. No matter what is causing the pain, it can be severe and ongoing, making it difficult to fall or stay asleep throughout the night. Here are some suggestions and remedies that you can try if a toothache is keeping you up at night and preventing you from getting enough rest.

Take Over the Counter Medication to Ease Your Dental Pain

Pain relievers that are available without a prescription, such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or aspirin, can be helpful in reducing the painful symptoms and inflammation associated with a toothache. Always make sure to follow the directions on the label, and never go above the maximum amount that is suggested. Talk to your dentist or a healthcare provider if you are unsure which pain reliever to take in order to get the best results.

Use a Cold Compress

Applying a cold compress or an ice pack to the region around the tooth that is in severe pain can help numb the area and reduce swelling. The affected area should be covered with a thin towel and an ice pack or a frozen gel pack should be applied to it and left there for 15 to 20 minutes. It may be necessary to repeat the process every few hours.

Use Clove Oil

Because it naturally contains analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, clove oil can help alleviate the pain associated with toothaches. A small amount of clove oil should be applied to a cotton ball, and then the cotton ball should be placed on the affected tooth. Before applying the clove oil to the tooth, you can also dilute it with a carrier oil, such as olive oil or coconut oil. This will make the oil easier to apply.

Use a Salt Water Rinse

It may be helpful to rinse your mouth with warm salt water to reduce inflammation and alleviate the pain of a toothache. Stir one teaspoon of salt into one cup of warm water, and then swish the solution around in your mouth for approximately half a minute before spitting it out. It may be necessary to perform the steps several times each day.

Raise Your Head Raising your head can help decrease the amount of blood that flows to the affected tooth, which in turn can help decrease the amount of pain and swelling that you are experiencing. You could try sleeping with an extra pillow or two under your head, or you could try sleeping in a recliner if you have access to one.

Use Tea Bags

Tannins, which are found in tea bags, are naturally found to have astringent properties, which can help reduce pain and inflammation. After steeping a tea bag for a few minutes in water that has been brought to a boil, remove the tea bag and allow the water to cool until it is warm but not hot. After placing the tea bag on the tooth, you should allow it to remain there for ten to fifteen minutes.

Maintain a High Standard of Oral Hygiene

It is always preferable to avoid getting toothaches rather than try to treat them once they occur. Maintaining proper oral hygiene involves brushing your teeth twice daily, flossing at least once per day, and going to the dentist on a regular basis for checkups and cleanings. This can help prevent dental problems such as toothaches, cavities, and gum disease, all of which can lead to discomfort in the teeth.

The Bottom Line: How to Sleep Even With a Nagging Toothache

Toothache nighttime pain can be excruciating, but with these helpful suggestions and home remedies, you should be able to find some relief and get a better night’s sleep. 

However, it is essential to keep in mind that the pain of a toothache is frequently an indication of an underlying dental problem that needs to be treated by a dental professional. Make sure that you make an appointment with your dentist as soon as you can if the pain in your tooth continues or gets worse after you’ve tried to treat it at home.

Additionally, certain behaviours that can aggravate toothache pain should be avoided. Avoiding hard or crunchy foods, for example, can put pressure on the affected tooth and cause more pain. Similarly, avoid extremely hot or cold foods and beverages, which can cause sensitivity and discomfort in the affected tooth.

Seek emergency dental care right away if your toothache is severe or accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, swelling, or difficulty swallowing. These symptoms could indicate a serious dental infection that needs to be treated right away to avoid further complications.

To treat a painful toothache, your dentist may recommend a root canal procedure in some cases to get rid of the tooth decay. The infected or damaged pulp inside the tooth is removed during a root canal, and the tooth is cleaned and sealed. While root canals have a bad reputation for being painful, the procedure is actually done under local anesthesia, so you won’t feel anything during the procedure.

Ultimately, toothache at night can be frustrating and unpleasant, especially if it interferes with your ability to sleep. You can get some relief from toothache pain and a good night’s sleep by following the tips and remedies outlined above. However, keep in mind that toothaches are frequently the result of an underlying dental problem that necessitates professional treatment. You can help prevent toothaches and maintain good dental health by practising good oral hygiene and seeking prompt dental care when necessary.

FAQs

Can you fall asleep with toothache?

When you have a toothache, it can be difficult to fall asleep because the pain can be intense and last for a long time, which makes it difficult to relax and fall asleep.

There are, however, ways to alleviate the pain and discomfort caused by a toothache, which can help you get some relief and make it easier for you to fall asleep. Taking over-the-counter pain relievers, rinsing your mouth with salt water, rinsing your mouth with cold water, using a cold compress, using clove oil, and elevating your head are all potential treatments for toothache.

Toothaches and other dental issues can be avoided by maintaining proper oral hygiene and seeking out professional dental care whenever it is required.

Why are toothaches worse at night?

Toothaches can be more severe at night for a variety of reasons. One reason for this is that when you lie down, blood rushes to your head, increasing pressure and pain in the affected tooth. For this reason, it is a good idea to adjust your sleep position and keep your head elevated using several pillows. This simple trick can help you prevent blood flow from rushing to your head and making your toothache hurt worse at night.

Furthermore, because there are fewer distractions at night, you may be more aware of the pain, and you may be more sensitive to pain because you are tired and your body’s pain threshold is lower. Furthermore, toothaches can be exacerbated at night by changes in temperature or humidity, which can cause the tooth and surrounding tissues to expand or contract, resulting in increased pain and discomfort. Finally, stress or anxiety can aggravate toothaches, which may be more prevalent at night when you are trying to sleep and your mind is not preoccupied with other activities.

What is the fastest way to stop a toothache at home?

There are several home remedies you can try to quickly relieve a bad toothache. Here are some of the most effective and quickest home remedies for toothache relief:Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help reduce the pain and inflammation associated with toothache. Follow the label’s directions and do not exceed the recommended dose.A cold compress applied to the affected area can work as a numbing agent as it can both reduce swelling and numb the pain. For 15-20 minutes at a time, place an ice bag or a cold pack wrapped in a towel on the cheek near the affected tooth.Clove oil contains eugenol, a natural anaesthetic that can help numb the pain associated with toothache. Apply a cotton ball soaked in clove oil to the affected tooth and gu

ms.

Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water can help reduce inflammation and kill bacteria that may be causing your toothache. Squeeze a teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water and swish it around in your mouth for 30 seconds before spitting it out.

Elevate your head: While lying down, propping your head up with pillows can help reduce blood flow to the affected area, which can help reduce pain and swelling.

It’s important to note that while these remedies can help relieve toothache pain, they don’t address the root cause of the problem. It is critical to seek professional dental care in order to diagnose and treat the underlying cause of the toothache.

What pressure point relieves tooth pain?

There are several pressure points thought to relieve tooth pain. Here are some pressure points to try to relieve toothache pain:

Hegu point (LI4): This pressure point is located between the thumb and index finger on the back of the hand. With your opposite thumb, apply firm pressure to this point for several minutes.

Zusanli point (ST36): This pressure point is located just below the knee on the outside of the leg. Apply firm pressure with your fingers to this point and hold for several minutes.

The Neiguan point (PC6) is located on the inside of the wrist, about two finger widths from the wrist crease. With your opposite thumb, apply firm pressure to this point for several minutes.

While these pressure points may help relieve toothache pain, they do not treat the underlying cause of the pain. It is critical to seek professional dental care in order to diagnose and treat the underlying cause of the toothache.

Dr Febin Mary George - Editor

With more than 10 years as a dental surgeon, Dr Febin Mary George is passionate about educating consumers around the world to help look after their teeth.

She completed her Bachelor of Surgery at the Century Institute of Dental Science and Research Centre in 2010.

Alongside editing the International Journal of Dental Clinics she has also written for major publications including Thrive Global.