How to Sleep With a Toothache: Treatments and Tips for Instant Relief

Toothaches often feel like they come at the worst possible time, especially at night. When you’re trying to fall asleep, and all you can think about is the tooth pain that’s worse at night, it can be incredibly frustrating. 

If you’re lying in bed with extreme tooth pain and can’t sleep, it might feel like there’s no end in sight. But don’t worry—there are ways to manage the pain, get some rest, and help yourself feel better until you can visit a dental clinic in Redlands.

Below, you’ll find practical tips and treatments to help ease your toothache and get you some much-needed sleep.

Why Does Tooth Pain Get Worse at Night?

Understanding why a toothache at night is so much worse can help you find better ways to deal with it. There are a few reasons why this happens:

• Enhanced blood flow: When you lie down, blood circulation to your head increases, which can cause more pressure in your teeth and intensify the pain.
• Lack of distractions: Less activity surrounds you at night, making you focus more on the pain.
• Positioning: Lying down can pressure the affected tooth, causing more discomfort.

Now that you know why it hurts so much, let’s explore ways to relieve the pain and enjoy a peaceful night.

Immediate Relief Tips for Toothaches at Night

Elevate Your Head

Prop up your head with extra pillows to assist in limiting blood flow to your head, which may decrease the intensity of the pain. Keeping your head elevated is one of the simplest ways to manage discomfort until you get proper treatment.

Cold Compress

A cool compress on the outside of your cheek might numb the discomfort and reduce swelling. Use a clean cloth to cover some ice cubes or a cold pack, and apply it to the affected area for 15-20 minutes. Repeat as needed, but be careful not to overdo it.

Salt Water Rinse

Cleaning your mouth with lukewarm salt water can help cleanse the area and reduce inflammation. The salt is a mild disinfectant, and the warm water can ease discomfort. Put one teaspoon of salt in a glass of mildly warm water, rinse for 30 seconds, and spit it out. Do this a few times before bed.

Over-the-Counter Pain Relief

Ibuprofen and acetaminophen, both over-the-counter pain medications, can provide short relief. Follow the dosing directions precisely and never exceed the suggested quantity. If you’re allergic to any medication, consult your healthcare provider.

Clove Oil

For decades, clove oil has been utilized as a natural toothache cure. It contains eugenol, which has numbing properties. Put only a small amount of clove oil on a cotton ball or swab and carefully apply it to the sore tooth and gums. Be cautious not to swallow any oil, as it can be intense.

Peppermint Tea

Sipping on warm peppermint tea can provide a soothing effect. You can even place a warm peppermint tea bag against your tooth for additional relief. Peppermint has a moderate numbing effect, which helps alleviate discomfort.

Avoid Hard or Chewy Foods

If you can eat, choose soft foods that won’t irritate the affected tooth. Avoid hard, chewy, or crunchy foods, as these can exacerbate the pain. Stick with softer options like mashed potatoes, yogurt, or soup that won’t put pressure on your tooth.

When Should You See an Emergency Dentist?

If the toothache persists or worsens despite trying these remedies, it’s time to see emergency dental care. Persistent tooth discomfort may indicate an underlying condition, such as:

• Tooth decay: Cavities can cause deep pain that worsens at night.
• Abscess: A tooth abscess, an infection at the root, can cause severe pain, especially when lying down.
• Tooth fracture: A cracked tooth can cause pain when pressure is applied.
• Gum disease: Gum inflammation and infection can also be painful.

A dental clinic in Redlands, CA can assess the issue and offer the right solution.

Long-Term Tooth Pain Relief Strategies

If tooth pain is a recurring problem, there are longer-term treatments that can help alleviate discomfort and prevent it from coming back:

Dental Fillings

If cavities or decay cause your toothache, getting a filling can seal the cavity and prevent further damage. This treatment relieves the pain and protects the tooth from further decay.

Root Canal Therapy

If your tooth’s infection has advanced to the pulp, you may need a root canal. To prevent further problems, the dentist removes the infected pulp and fills the tooth during the root canal procedure. Root canal therapy is highly effective at addressing pain caused by infection in the tooth’s root.

Tooth Extractions

At times, a tooth may be beyond repair and need to be removed entirely. While this is typically a last resort, it can stop the pain and prevent further complications. If the tooth is extracted, the area can be restored with options like a dental implant or bridge.

Final Thoughts

A toothache can be a nightmare, especially when it interferes with your ability to sleep. By following these tips, you can find temporary relief and take the necessary steps to get long-term relief. Maintaining good oral hygiene, scheduling regular dental clinic checkups, and resolving any issues as soon as they arise is key to preventing future toothaches.

If your toothache becomes unbearable or doesn’t improve, don’t hesitate to visit our dentist near you for professional care. Waiting too long could result in serious complications, so always prioritize your oral health. You can return to enjoying peaceful nights and a pain-free smile with the proper care!