Toothache, or dental pain, is a common issue that affects almost everyone at some point in their lives. The pain can range from a dull throbbing sensation to a sharp, persistent stabbing, and dealing with a toothache at night can be particularly distressing. In this article, we will explore the causes of toothache, strategies for sleeping with a toothache, and when to seek professional dental treatment.

What Causes a Toothache?

A toothache can be caused by various factors, including:

1. Infected gums
2. Repetitive motions, such as grinding teeth (bruxism) or chewing gum
3. A damaged filling
4. Tooth fracture
5. Abscessed tooth
6. Tooth decay

When Is Toothache a Dental Emergency?

If you experience tooth pain along with any of the following symptoms, seek emergency dental treatment without delay:

1. A toothache that lasts longer than two days
2. Fever
3. Difficulty swallowing and breathing
4. Wheezing
5. Shortness of breath or lightheadedness
6. Swelling in your jaw or face

Tips for Sleeping Soundly with a Toothache

1. Elevate Your Head with an Extra Pillow

Finding a comfortable sleeping position can be difficult when you have a toothache. One way to help reduce the pain is by elevating your head with an extra pillow. This will help reduce blood flow to the affected area and may provide some relief.

Place an extra pillow under your head when you go to bed to elevate your head. You can also prop yourself up with several pillows or use a wedge-shaped pillow designed for this purpose.

2. Applying a cold compress

Another way to relieve toothache pain while sleeping is by applying a cold compress to the cheek. This will help numb the pain and reduce swelling in the affected area.

To apply a cold compress, wrap a bag of ice or frozen vegetables in a towel and hold it against your cheek for 15-20 minutes. You can also use a gel-filled cold pack chilled in the refrigerator.

3. Take pain medication as recommended.

If your toothache is severe, your dentist or doctor may recommend taking pain medication before bed. This may include over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or prescription-strength pain relievers.

It’s important to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully when taking any medication for toothache pain. Be sure not to exceed the recommended dose, which can lead to serious side effects.

4. Use numbing gel or toothpaste.

Another option for relieving toothache pain while sleeping is using numbing gel or toothpaste specifically designed for this purpose. These products contain ingredients such as benzocaine to help numb the affected area and temporarily relieve pain.

To use numbing gel or toothpaste, apply a small amount directly onto the affected tooth and surrounding gums before bed. Be sure not to swallow any product which can cause unwanted side effects.

5. Avoid hot or cold foods and drinks.

Finally, avoiding consuming hot or cold foods and drinks before bedtime when you have a toothache is essential. This can aggravate the pain and make it more difficult to sleep.

Instead, opt for room temperature or lukewarm foods and drinks that won’t irritate your toothache. You may also want to avoid sugary or acidic foods and beverages, as these can further damage your teeth and worsen your toothache.

6. Elevate your head while sleeping.

Elevating your head using one or more pillows can help reduce inflammation and prevent fluids from accumulating around the affected tooth. A study published in the Journal of Dental Research found that head elevation reduces dental pain and swelling (source). Try sleeping while sitting up slightly.

There are several ways you can elevate your head while sleeping:

• First, use an extra pillow: Place it under your head to raise it higher than usual.
• Prop up the bed: If you have an adjustable bed, raise the head of the bed slightly.
• Use a wedge pillow: A wedge pillow is explicitly designed for elevating your head and can provide more support than regular pillows.

7. Applying Cold Compress

Another tip for getting a better night’s sleep with a toothache is applying a cold compress to the cheek or jaw before bed. This will help numb the area and reduce inflammation, making it easier to fall asleep. Here are some tips for using a cold compress:

• Use ice packs: Wrap them in a towel and apply them to the affected area for 15 minutes.
• Use frozen vegetables: Frozen peas or corn make great makeshift ice packs.
• Please don’t overdo it: Applying cold for too long can damage skin tissue, so limit use to 15-minute intervals.

8. Take Over-the-counter Pain Relievers 

Over-the-counter pain medications containing naproxen, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen can help alleviate toothache symptoms. A Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery study found that ibuprofen is particularly effective in reducing dental pain (source). Always read labels carefully and follow the recommended dosage.

Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can also help relieve toothache pain and improve sleep quality. However, following dosage instructions carefully and consulting your healthcare professional before taking any medication is essential.

9. Floss regularly to prevent tooth decay.

Regularly flossing is an excellent way to prevent toothaches by removing food particles and bacteria between teeth and gums. Neglecting flossing can lead to tooth decay, which causes persistent toothache pain. In addition, when food particles get stuck between teeth and gums, they create an environment for bacteria to thrive. This leads to plaque formation that erodes the teeth’ enamel over time.

10. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water.

Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water before bed is another effective way to reduce swelling and promote healing. In addition, salt water has natural antibacterial properties that can help fight infections and soothe sore gums.

A warm salt water rinse can soothe discomfort and kill bacteria that may be causing your toothache. Rinse your mouth with salt water 2-3 times daily, especially before bedtime. To prepare a saltwater rinse, dissolve one teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water, swish the solution in your mouth for about one minute, focusing on the painful area, and then spit it out.

Natural Remedies and the Best Sleeping Positions for Toothache Relief

11. Clove Oil: A Natural Remedy for Toothache Pain

Clove oil has been a natural remedy for toothache pain for centuries. The oil contains eugenol, which is a natural anesthetic and antiseptic. When applied directly to the affected area, clove oil can help alleviate toothache pain. To use clove oil, soak a cotton ball in the oil and apply it to the affected tooth and gum area. Next, you a few drops of clove oil with a carrier oil like coconut or olive oil and gently massage it into the affected area.

12. Sleeping with Your Head Elevated: Reducing Pressure on the Tooth

If you’re experiencing toothache pain, sleeping with your head elevated can help reduce pressure on the affected tooth and provide relief. In addition, elevating your head will help reduce blood flow to the area, which can help reduce inflammation and swelling. To sleep with your head elevated, prop yourself up on pillows or use an adjustable bed if you have one.

13. Applying a Cold Compress: Numbing Pain and Reducing Inflammation

Another natural remedy for toothache pain is applying a cold compress to the cheek. The cold temperature can help numb the pain and reduce inflammation in the affected area. To make a cold compress, wrap ice cubes in a towel or use a bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel. Apply the compress to the affected cheek for 15-20 minutes.

14. Salt Water Rinses: Reducing Bacteria in Your Mouth

Saltwater rinses are another effective way to soothe sore gums and reduce bacteria in your mouth that may be causing your toothache pain. To make a saltwater rinse, dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of salt in warm water and swish it around your mouth for 30 seconds before spitting it out.

15. Peppermint Tea: A Natural Numbing Agent

Peppermint tea has natural numbing properties and can temporarily relieve when sipped before bed. To make peppermint tea, steep a peppermint tea bag in hot water for 5-10 minutes. Sip the tea slowly before bed to help numb the pain.

16. Sleeping on the Opposite Side of Your Mouth: Preventing Further Irritation

If you’re experiencing toothache pain, it’s important to avoid sleeping on the side of your mouth where the toothache is located. Sleeping on that side can cause further irritation and inflammation in the affected area. Instead, try sleeping on your back or the opposite of your mouth.

Maintaining good oral hygiene with a toothache

Toothaches are one of the most common dental problems that people experience. It can be nagging, persistent, and painful, making it difficult to focus on daily tasks. However, even with toothache pain, maintaining good oral hygiene is essential to prevent further dental problems.

Emergency Treatment for Toothache

While saltwater rinse should not replace professional dental care, it can provide temporary relief during emergencies when dental care is not immediately available. Saltwater rinse is safe for most people but should not be swallowed as excessive salt consumption can cause dehydration and other health problems.

Why Do Toothaches Feel Worse at Night?

Toothaches may feel more intense at night for several reasons. First, lying down can cause blood to rush to your head, increasing pressure and pain from the toothache.

Second, fewer distractions at night make focusing on anything other than the pain harder.

Finally, the body’s natural pain-relieving hormones, such as endorphins, are lower during nighttime, contributing to increased sensitivity to pain.

Neglecting oral health can lead to more severe dental problems.

Neglecting oral health can lead to more severe dental problems such as throbbing jaw pain and gum disease. For example, gum disease is caused by poor oral hygiene habits, such as neglecting to floss and brushing regularly. It starts with gingivitis (inflammation of the gums). Still, if left untreated, it can progress into periodontitis (inflammation around the teeth). Periodontitis causes damage to the bone supporting the teeth leading to loose teeth or even loss of teeth.

Seek Professional Dental Treatment for Lasting Toothache Relief

While the tips mentioned above may help ease your discomfort and improve your sleep quality when dealing with a toothache, it’s important to remember that they are not permanent solutions.

In summary, toothaches can be a distressing experience, especially at night. However, by understanding the causes of toothache, using effective strategies to manage pain, and seeking professional dental treatment, you can find relief and enjoy a better night’s sleep. Remember to consult your dentist for personalized advice and treatment tailored to your situation.

FAQs

1. Q: Why do I have tooth pain at night but not during the day? A: Tooth pain may be more noticeable at night due to increased blood flow to the head when lying down, fewer distractions, lower endorphin levels, and nighttime teeth grinding or clenching. Elevating your head, maintaining good oral hygiene, using over-the-counter pain relievers, and applying a cold compress can provide temporary relief.
2. Q: Can I kill tooth pain nerve at home? A: Attempting to kill a tooth nerve at home is dangerous and not recommended. Consult a dentist for professional assessment and treatment of tooth pain. Possible treatments include root canal treatment, extraction, or addressing the underlying cause of the pain.
3. Q: What are some common causes of toothache? A: Toothache can be caused by various factors, including infected gums, repetitive motions (such as grinding teeth or chewing gum), a damaged filling, tooth fracture, abscessed tooth, and tooth decay.
4. Q: When should I see a dentist for tooth pain? A: If you experience tooth pain and symptoms like fever, difficulty swallowing and breathing, wheezing, shortness of breath or lightheadedness, or swelling in your jaw or face, seek emergency dental treatment. You should also visit a dentist if your toothache lasts longer than two days.
5. Q: What can I do for temporary relief from tooth pain? A: To manage tooth pain temporarily, you can try elevating your head while sleeping, maintaining good oral hygiene, using over-the-counter pain relievers, rinsing your mouth with warm salt water, and applying a cold compress to the affected area.
6. Q: How can I prevent toothaches? A: Maintaining proper oral hygiene by brushing your teeth twice daily, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings can help prevent toothaches. Additionally, consuming a balanced diet low in sugar and avoiding tobacco products can improve dental health.