A toothache can be excruciating, and when it strikes at night, it often feels like there’s no escape. If you’re trying to fall asleep with a toothache, the pain can make getting a good night’s rest nearly impossible. The throbbing pain, whether from tooth decay, a tooth infection, or gum disease, can feel unbearable when lying down and trying to rest. The discomfort can disrupt your sleep and leave you exhausted the next day. In this blog, we’ll explore ways to ease tooth pain so you can get the rest you need, including home remedies and medical treatments to help you sleep with toothache pain.
Understanding the Causes of Toothache at Night
Before discussing how to sleep with toothache, it’s important to understand why tooth pain may feel worse at night. There are several reasons why toothache pain can intensify when you lie down to sleep:
- Increased blood flow: When you lie flat, gravity doesn’t help reduce blood flow to the head and face. This increased blood flow can make painful toothache symptoms more intense.
- Pressure from the affected tooth: When lying down, the pressure on the affected tooth might change, leading to heightened sensitivity. This is especially true if the tooth is infected or has exposed nerves.
- Reduced distractions: You’re usually active during the day, and the toothache pain may be easier to manage. With fewer distractions, the pain may seem much more pronounced at night.
Understanding these factors can help you find better ways to alleviate pain before bed.
Tips on How to Sleep with Toothache
While tooth pain can be overwhelming, several strategies can reduce discomfort and help you sleep peacefully. Below are some tried-and-true methods for managing toothache pain at night according to https://dentalhc.com.au/dentist-newmarket/ website.
1. Use a Cold Compress
Applying a cold compress is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce toothache pain. Cold therapy can help reduce inflammation, numb the affected area, and provide temporary relief. You can use an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel. Apply the cold compress to your cheek near the affected tooth for 15-20 minutes. This will help numb the pain and reduce swelling around the tooth and gums.
2. Elevate Your Head
When you lie flat, gravity increases blood flow to the head, worsening tooth pain. To alleviate the pressure, sleep with your head elevated. Propping your head up with pillows can help reduce the intensity of the pain and make it easier to fall asleep. Keeping your head higher than the rest of your body will help prevent fluid buildup and reduce inflammation in the affected area.
3. Use Pain Relievers
Over-the-counter medications like pain relievers (acetaminophen or ibuprofen) can be very helpful in managing toothache pain. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label carefully and take the medication at the recommended dosage. These medications can reduce pain and swelling, making it easier to sleep through the night.
Additionally, numbing agents such as pastes or oral gels can be applied directly to the affected tooth and gums. These agents typically contain benzocaine and can offer temporary relief by numbing the area and reducing tooth pain.
4. Salt Water Rinse
A salt water rinse is a simple yet effective home remedy for a toothache. Mix a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and swish it around your mouth. The saltwater rinse will help disinfect the tooth and gums, reduce swelling, and alleviate pain. This rinse can also help flush out any food particles or debris from the affected area that might be irritating. Swish gently for about 30 seconds and then spit out the solution.
5. Clove Oil for Toothache Relief
Clove oil is a well-known natural remedy for toothache pain. It contains eugenol, a natural analgesic that can numb the affected area and reduce inflammation. Apply a small amount of clove oil directly onto the affected tooth and the surrounding gums using a cotton ball or swab. Be cautious not to swallow any of the oil, and avoid using large amounts, as it can irritate the soft tissues inside the mouth. Clove oil is particularly effective for temporary pain relief until you can see a dentist.
6. Avoid Certain Foods and Drinks
After experiencing tooth pain, you may want to avoid certain foods and drinks that can exacerbate the issue. Sugary foods and beverages can worsen tooth decay, while hot or cold foods may trigger sensitive teeth and worsen toothache pain. Opt for soft foods, such as mashed potatoes or scrambled eggs, which are less likely to irritate the affected tooth. Also, refrain from chewing on the affected tooth, which could aggravate the pain.
7. Try a Cold or Warm Compress
While a cold compress can help reduce inflammation and numb pain, some people find relief by using a warm compress instead. A warm compress can increase blood flow, which can help relieve muscle tension and improve circulation in the gums. If you’re unsure whether to use hot or cold compresses, you could try both and see which one works best for you. However, if you suspect an infected tooth, the cold compress may be a better option to reduce swelling and pain.
8. Stay Relaxed and Stress-Free
Sometimes, toothache pain can feel worse if you’re stressed or anxious. Try to relax before bedtime by reading a book, taking deep breaths, or practising relaxation techniques. Keeping your mind calm and focused will help reduce the intensity of the pain and make it easier to fall asleep despite the discomfort.
9. Use Over-the-Counter Anesthetics
Some over-the-counter anesthetic products, such as numbing pastes or gels, temporarily relieve toothache pain. These products are typically applied directly to the affected area and can provide fast, short-term relief from tooth pain. However, these are only temporary solutions, and seeing a dentist is important to address the underlying cause of the pain.
10. Seek Professional Dental Care
While these remedies can help manage tooth pain temporarily, the most important step is to visit a dentist. If you are experiencing severe pain, swelling, or signs of an infection, seeking professional treatment is crucial. A dentist can determine the root cause of your toothache, whether it’s due to tooth decay, gum disease, or an abscessed tooth, and recommend the appropriate treatment.
Depending on the cause of your toothache, you may need treatments such as tooth fillings, root canal therapy, or even a tooth extraction. Early intervention can prevent further damage and painful symptoms from worsening.
Conclusion
A toothache at night can feel unbearable, but there are several strategies you can use to find relief and get a good night’s sleep. Using a cold compress, elevating your head, taking over-the-counter pain relievers, and using natural remedies like saltwater rinses and clove oil can help manage tooth pain temporarily. However, it’s important to remember that toothache pain is a symptom of an underlying problem, such as tooth decay, gum disease, or an infection, and seeing a dentist is crucial for addressing the issue properly. With the right care and attention, you can manage your tooth pain and get the relief you need to sleep soundly.
References
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10957-toothache#:~:text=A%20toothache%20refers%20to%20pain,get%20better%20on%20their%20own.
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326133
https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-get-rid-of-toothache-at-night