Toothaches can strike at any time, but they often seem worse at night. With fewer distractions and the discomfort intensifying when blood rushes to the affected area, it can be hard to fall asleep. Whether it’s a nagging toothache, tooth decay, sinus infection, or an infected pulp, understanding how to manage toothache pain during bedtime is crucial for achieving a better night’s sleep. Let’s explore ways to ease dental pain, reduce inflammation, and find temporary relief before seeking appropriate treatment.
Why Are Toothaches Worse at Night?
Toothaches frequently feel worse at night, influenced by both physiological and environmental factors. Here’s why:
Increased Blood Flow to the Head
When you lie down, blood flow to your head naturally increases. This may make the affected tooth feel increasingly sensitive and intensify the painful symptoms. The increased pressure on the nerves surrounding the tooth amplifies the discomfort, making the nagging toothache harder to ignore.
Fewer Distractions
At night, there are fewer distractions like work, conversations, or daily activities to take your mind off the tooth pain. With nothing else to focus on, the discomfort becomes more noticeable, making it harder to fall asleep.
Changes in Temperature Sensitivity
Some people experience heightened sensitivity to temperature changes at night, especially if the room is colder. This can worsen toothache pain, particularly if the cause is linked to tooth decay or an infected pulp.
Habitual Teeth Clenching or Grinding
Unconscious teeth clenching or grinding during sleep is common and can exacerbate jaw injuries, intensify dental pain, and worsen an already painful toothache.
Lack of Pain Relief
If you’ve been taking pain relievers during the day, their effects may wear off by bedtime. Without immediate access to relief, the toothache at night can feel more overwhelming.
Quick Steps to Relieve Toothache at Night
Dealing with a toothache at night can be frustrating, but there are effective ways to find temporary relief and get some much-needed rest. Here are some quick and practical steps:
Rinse Your Mouth with Salt Water
A salt water rinse is an easy and effective home remedy. It helps reduce swelling, remove food particles, and clean the affected area.
How to use:
- Mix a teaspoon of salt in warm tap water.
- Swish it thoroughly in your mouth for 30 seconds.
- Spit it out and repeat as necessary.
Salt water’s antibacterial properties can help prevent further damage and alleviate tooth infections.
Use a Cold Compress or Ice Pack
Placing a cold compress or ice pack on your cheek can reduce inflammation and numb the area.
How to apply:
- Wrap a cloth around an ice pack or bag of frozen vegetables.
- Hold it against the affected area for 15–20 minutes.
- Repeat every few hours as needed.
This technique helps ease severe pain by reducing blood flow to the area.
Elevate Your Head While Sleeping
Keeping your head elevated with extra pillows can prevent blood from pooling in the head, helping to alleviate inflammation and lessen pressure on the painful toothache.
Try a Warm Compress for Jaw Pain
If your toothache pain is linked to a mouth or jaw injury, a warm compress can relax the muscles and ease discomfort.
How to do it:
- Dip a cloth in warm water and squeeze out the excess.
- Apply it to the side of your face for 15 minutes.
Create a Comfortable Sleep Environment
Set yourself up for success in falling asleep:
- Install blackout curtains to keep the room dark.
- Play calming sounds or white noise to distract from the tooth pain.
- Maintain a cool room temperature for comfort.
Natural Remedies to Relieve Toothache Pain
For those seeking natural remedies to manage dental pain, try these options:
Clove Oil
Clove oil contains eugenol, which has anti-inflammatory properties that can provide temporary relief.
How to use:
- Dip a small cotton ball into a few drops of clove oil.
- Dab it on the painful tooth or affected area.
Garlic Clove
Garlic is known for its antibacterial properties and ability to ease toothache pain.
How to use:
- Mash a garlic clove and combine it with a bit of olive oil.
- Apply it to the affected area for 10–15 minutes.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil can reduce bacteria in the mouth, helping to treat the underlying cause of the toothache.
How to use:
- Dilute a few drops in warm water and use it as a rinse.
- Alternatively, diluted tea tree oil can be applied directly to the affected tooth.
Saltwater Rinse
As previously mentioned, a saltwater rinse can be repeated before bedtime to maximise its soothing effects.
Over-the-counter pain Relief for Toothaches
If home remedies don’t offer enough relief, consider over-the-counter medications.
Pain Relievers
Medications like ibuprofen or paracetamol can help minimise painful symptoms and inflammation. Follow the prescribed dosage instructions for safe and effective relief.
Anti-inflammatory Gels
Topical gels like benzocaine can numb the affected tooth, providing temporary relief until you can see a dentist.
Foods and Habits to Avoid at Night to Relieve Toothache
When battling a toothache at night, certain foods and habits can worsen tooth pain and make it harder to find temporary relief or get a better night’s sleep. Avoiding these triggers can help reduce discomfort and prevent further irritation.
Sugary Foods
Sugar nourishes harmful bacteria in your mouth, which can aggravate tooth decay and worsen painful symptoms.
Why avoid it?
- Sugary snacks like chocolate, lollies, or desserts can worsen tooth infections.
- They may cling to the affected tooth, increasing sensitivity and inflammation.
Acidic Foods and Drinks
Citrus fruits, vinegar, and acidic beverages such as orange juice or soda can erode enamel and aggravate the affected area.
Why avoid it?
- Acidic foods can exacerbate dental decay and gum disease, making toothache pain more severe.
- They may heighten sensitivity in teeth that are already causing pain.
Hot or Cold Foods and Beverages
Extremely hot or cold items can trigger sensitivity in a painful tooth or inflame the affected area.
Examples to avoid:
- Ice cream, hot coffee, or cold water without a straw.
- Hot soups or steaming drinks may worsen painful symptoms.
Hard or Crunchy Foods
Chewing on hard foods can irritate a painful toothache or worsen a mouth or jaw injury.
Examples to avoid:
- Nuts, raw carrots, hard lollies, or crusty bread.
- Chips or pretzels that may lodge in the affected tooth.
Sticky or Chewy Foods
Sticky foods can become trapped in cavities or around the affected tooth, intensifying the discomfort.
Examples to avoid:
- Chewing gum, toffee, or caramel.
- Dried fruits like raisins or apricots.
Alcohol and Caffeinated Drinks
Alcohol and caffeine can dehydrate the mouth, worsening toothache pain and potentially irritating sensitive teeth.
Why avoid them?
- Dry mouth reduces saliva flow, which helps protect against oral health problems.
- Alcohol can irritate gum disease or existing injuries.
Tobacco Use
Using tobacco products, including smoking, can worsen oral health problems like periodontal disease and tooth decay.
Why avoid it?
- It hinders the healing process and increases the risk of serious complications.
- Tobacco can worsen inflammation and sensitivity in the affected area.
Skipping Oral Hygiene Before Bed
Neglecting to brush and floss can allow food particles to remain in your mouth, feeding bacteria and boosting the threat of tooth decay or infection.
Solution:
- Brush gently with a soft-bristle toothbrush.
- Rinse with warm water or a saltwater rinse to cleanse the mouth without aggravating the painful toothache.
Lying Flat While Sleeping
Sleeping flat can increase blood flow to the head, intensifying nighttime pain in the affected tooth.
Solution:
- Prop your head up with extra pillows to reduce swelling and pressure.
Overusing Home Remedies
While natural remedies like clove oil or garlic can offer relief, overuse may irritate the affected area or gums.
Solution:
- Use remedies sparingly and as a supplement to proper oral hygiene.
Ignoring Persistent Pain
Masking symptoms with pain medications without addressing the underlying cause can lead to serious complications like abscesses or further dental decay.
Solution:
- Seek professional dental care for appropriate treatment if the pain persists.
When to Seek Professional Treatment
While these remedies can provide temporary relief, a persistent toothache requires appropriate treatment. Ignoring oral health problems can lead to serious complications, such as:
- Tooth infections
- Gum disease
- Periodontal disease
- Abscesses or infected pulp
Root Canal Treatment
If the pain is due to an infected pulp, root canal therapy may be required to remove the infected tissue and preserve the tooth.
Tooth Extraction
In severe cases where tooth decay or damage is extensive, a tooth extraction may be required to prevent further damage.
Preventing Toothache at Night
To avoid experiencing a painful toothache in the future, maintain good oral hygiene:
- Brush and floss daily.
- Avoid sugary foods and drinks.
- Schedule regular dental check-ups to catch oral health problems early.
Final Thoughts: Finding Relief and Sleep
Figuring out how to sleep with toothache at night can be challenging, but with these tips, you can manage the painful symptoms and find much-needed rest. Remember, these methods are temporary, and addressing the underlying cause is essential for long-term relief. If your toothache persists, consult a dentist promptly to explore treatment options such as a root canal or tooth extraction.
If you’re struggling with a toothache and need expert care, contact Definitive Dental at
(02) 6105 9833 and book your consultation for appropriate treatment and a personalised plan to treat oral health problems.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
Healthline. (n.d.). Home remedies for toothache. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/home-remedies-for-toothache
GoodRx. (n.d.). What you need to know about topical NSAIDs for pain and inflammation. Retrieved from https://www.goodrx.com/classes/nsaids/topical-nsaids-pain-inflammation-need-to-know
Colgate. (n.d.). How a salt water mouth rinse benefits oral health. Retrieved from https://www.colgate.com/en-gb/oral-health/mouth-sores-and-infections/how-a-salt-water-mouth-rinse-benefits-oral-health-1214#:~:text=Making%20a%20Salt%20Water%20Mouth%20Rinse&text=Add%20%C2%BD%20a%20teaspoon%20of,Soothe%20and%20heal%20mouth%20sores
Medical News Today. (n.d.). Home and natural remedies for toothache pain. Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321256
