6 Tips for Sleeping Through a Nighttime Toothache

We’ve all had tooth pain at some point in time. While most are nothing more than a mere annoyance, there are some cases where it’s annoying and painful. If you’re experiencing a bad toothache at night, you may be wondering if there’s anything that can be done to relieve your pain until morning. Luckily, there are many tried-and-true ways to ease your discomfort! Read along for a few helpful tips to manage your situation and get a good night’s sleep.

Use Over-the-Counter Pain Medication

You can take over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and aspirin to relieve your discomfort. They help reduce inflammation at the site of the infected tooth. For additional relief, you can use numbing pastes or gels that contain benzocaine. These products will dull your toothache just enough until you fall asleep.

Elevate Your Head

While you sleep, try elevating your head on one or several pillows. Propping it up will keep blood from rushing to your head and mouth, preventing pressure caused by blood flow. Elevation will also help minimize the intensity of your toothache, improve circulation, and reduce swelling.

Avoid Eating Acidic, Cold, or Hard Foods Before Bed

Do not eat any acidic, hard, or cold foods before bed! They can trigger pain and aggravate any cavities that have already developed in your mouth. If you must indulge, try eating soft or warm foods that are gentle on your smile. Some options are applesauce, soup, and scrambled eggs.

Clean Your Teeth

If you have a toothache at night, you may be reluctant to follow your oral hygiene routine. The last thing you want to cause is more discomfort in your mouth! However, food particles or other unwanted debris might be contributing to your pain. That’s why it’s a good idea to brush and floss your teeth thoroughly before going to bed.

Rinse Your Mouth

Do you think you have an infection? If so, use a mouthwash that contains alcohol to disinfect your mouth and numb any pain. Additionally, you could use a hot saltwater solution to wash away debris and clean any wounds or sites of infection.

Use a Cold Compress

Apply an ice pack or another cold compress on your cheek over the area where you feel pain. This technique will help relieve some of your discomfort and reduce swelling in your face and gums. If the ice pack is too cold, try wrapping it in a clean cloth so you can use it directly on your face.

Have a nagging toothache at night? Follow these tips to get some relief! In the morning, you’ll feel refreshed and ready to visit your emergency dentist for treatment.

About the Author

Dr. Kenneth J. Canzoneri is passionate about dentistry and dedicated to advancing his practice through continuing education. From routine checkups to smile-saving emergency dental treatment, he offers everything you need in one convenient location. To schedule an emergency appointment, visit his website or call (626) 446-1679.