Trying to fall asleep with a toothache can feel impossible. The throbbing pain seems to intensify the moment you lie down, keeping you awake and restless through the night. While painkillers can help for a few hours, they don’t always bring full relief.
The good news is that there are simple, dentist-approved ways to make yourself more comfortable and improve your sleep until you can see your dentist. These methods don’t replace professional care, but they can help you manage the pain and rest better in the meantime.
Let’s look at why toothaches often feel worse at night and how to calm the pain before bed.
Key Takeaways
- Toothaches often feel worse at night because lying flat increases blood flow to the head and pressure around the tooth.
- Sleeping with your head elevated can ease throbbing and make it easier to rest.
- Simple remedies like saltwater rinses, cold compresses, and over-the-counter pain relievers can help you sleep better.
- Natural options such as clove oil or peppermint tea offer temporary comfort but won’t fix the cause of pain.
- Persistent or severe toothaches should always be checked by a specialist to prevent infection and protect your oral health.
Still losing sleep because of tooth pain?
-
Get $350 free consultation & CT scan
Why Do Toothaches Feel Worse at Night?
Toothaches become stronger once you lie down because blood flow to the head increases when you’re flat, which puts more pressure on sensitive areas around the tooth.
The quiet at night can also make pain feel more noticeable. During the day, distractions make it easier to ignore mild discomfort, but once everything settles, even small aches feel amplified.
In some cases, nighttime grinding or jaw clenching adds more tension to the teeth and gums, making the pain worse.
7 Dentist-Approved Tips to Sleep Better with a Toothache
Toothache pain can make it hard to rest, but a few simple habits can make nights more manageable. Try these dentist-approved tips to reduce discomfort and get some sleep before your dental visit:
1. Keep Your Head Elevated
Prop yourself up with one or two extra pillows to keep your head slightly raised. This position helps reduce blood flow to the affected area, which can ease pressure and throbbing pain.
2. Rinse with Warm Saltwater
Mix half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and swish it around your mouth for about 30 seconds. This helps clean the area, reduce inflammation, and calm irritation.
3. Take an Over-the-Counter Pain Reliever
Pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help dull the pain long enough to fall asleep. Always follow the dosage on the label and avoid placing tablets directly on your gums, as this can cause burns.
4. Apply a Cold Compress Before Bed
Place a cold pack or a cloth-wrapped ice pack on the outside of your cheek for 15 to 20 minutes. This can help reduce swelling and numb the area so you can rest more easily.
5. Avoid Sugary or Acidic Foods at Night
Foods high in sugar or acid can irritate a sore tooth and worsen pain. Stick to soft, neutral foods if you need to eat before bed.
6. Keep Your Mouth Clean
Gently brush and floss before sleeping to remove food particles that may irritate the tooth. Keeping the area clean can prevent bacteria from making the pain worse overnight.
7. Try to Relax Your Jaw
If you tend to clench your teeth, try placing the tip of your tongue between them or doing gentle jaw stretches before bed. This helps ease muscle tension that can contribute to nighttime pain.
Home Remedies That Can Help Temporarily
Some natural remedies can make tooth pain more bearable until you get professional care. These aren’t permanent fixes, but they can provide short bursts of comfort during the night.
You can use clove oil, which contains a natural compound called eugenol that numbs pain and reduces inflammation. Apply a few drops to a cotton ball and place it gently on the sore area for a few minutes.
Another option is peppermint tea. Once the tea bag cools, press it against the painful spot to soothe irritation and freshen your mouth.
A small amount of garlic paste can also help. Garlic has antibacterial properties that fight the germs causing pain. Crush a clove, mix it with a pinch of salt, and apply it gently before rinsing your mouth.
These simple methods can ease the pain just enough to help you rest, but they don’t treat the root cause.
When to See a Dental Specialist for Tooth Pain
Tooth pain that keeps you awake at night is often a sign of a deeper issue. If the pain lasts more than two days, gets worse, or is paired with swelling, fever, or sensitivity to hot and cold, it’s time to see a dentist.
You should also seek immediate care if you notice:
- Swelling in your jaw or face
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
- Pain that spreads to your ear or neck
- A bad taste in your mouth or drainage from the gums
These symptoms may mean an infection is spreading and needs prompt treatment.
Sleep Better Tonight and Wake Up Pain-Free
A few nighttime habits can make a big difference when a toothache keeps you awake, but lasting relief comes from addressing what’s causing the pain. Whether it’s decay, infection, or gum irritation, the right dental care can restore your comfort and help you rest easy again.
If the pain continues or keeps returning, don’t wait it out. Our team at Hanna Dental Implant Center in Houston, TX offers gentle, effective treatments that target the real source of discomfort, so you can get back to sleeping soundly. Schedule a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best position to sleep in with a toothache?
Try sleeping with your head raised using one or two extra pillows. Keeping your head elevated reduces blood flow to the affected area, which helps ease pressure and throbbing pain while you rest.
Which finger to press for a toothache?
Some people find short-term relief through acupressure. Gently press the area where your thumb and index finger meet as this point is sometimes linked to pain control. While it may help distract from discomfort, it shouldn’t replace proper dental treatment.
How do I fall asleep with a toothache?
Take an over-the-counter pain reliever, rinse with warm saltwater, and apply a cold compress before bed. Avoid lying flat, keep your head elevated, and practice slow breathing or relaxation to help your body settle enough for sleep.
What can I do for unbearable tooth pain?
If the pain feels intense or constant, call your dentist as soon as possible. You can manage it temporarily with a pain reliever, cold compress, and gentle oral care, but ongoing or severe pain may mean infection or decay that needs urgent attention.
