Tooth pain can be a real challenge when you’re trying to get a good night’s sleep. Figuring out how to sleep with a toothache and not toss and turn all night can be frustrating. Luckily, there are some simple remedies you can try to soothe toothaches and promote rest.
A simple trick like using a cold compress or trying a salt water rinse might be all you need to calm the discomfort and help you fall asleep faster. Read on to learn more about effective ways to relieve tooth pain, manage those painful symptoms, and find relief so you can rest easy despite the ache.
Why Toothaches Sometimes Feel Worse at Night
Toothaches often feel worse at night, and there’s a good reason for that. When you lie down, gravity increases blood flow to your head, which can make tooth pain feel worse. The increased blood flow can intensify the pain, especially if there’s swelling around the tooth.
It’s also harder to ignore the discomfort when you’re trying to fall asleep, the lack of distractions makes you more aware of the throbbing. As a result, you may experience sharper toothache pain at night than during the day.
Common Causes of Nighttime Toothaches
Nighttime toothaches are common, and they can be caused by several factors. Here are a few reasons why you might be experiencing more pain when you lie down:
- Tooth Decay. Cavities can cause pressure on nerves, especially at night when your body is more relaxed. This pressure can make the pain feel worse, leading to a throbbing toothache.
- Gum Disease. If your gums are infected or inflamed, the pain can increase when you lie down. The swelling around the gum line might put extra pressure on the affected tooth, making the discomfort more noticeable.
- Jaw Injury. If you’ve had a mouth or jaw injury, it might not hurt as much during the day. But lying down could make the pain worse, as pressure builds up and worsens your toothache.
Quick Tips for Easing Toothache Pain Before Bed
If you’re struggling with a toothache before bed, there are a few simple tricks that can help ease the discomfort and help you fall asleep. These quick tips can provide temporary relief so you can obtain a better night’s sleep. For permanent relief, a dentist visit is usually necessary. Read on to discover some easy and effective ways to temporarily soothe toothaches and make resting easier.
Rinsing with Warm Saltwater
Warm salt water rinses are an easy, natural remedy for calming inflammation and soothing tooth pain. Salt water cleans the affected area and may reduce swelling around the gums. Just dissolve a teaspoon of salt in warm water and swish it around your mouth for 30 seconds. This can help soothe your toothache, treat oral health problems, and make it easier to sleep.
Using Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
Over-the-counter pain relievers can help ease toothache pain temporarily. Pain relievers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen are great for cutting down pain and inflammation. Taking a pain reliever can help calm painful toothache symptoms, allowing you to get some rest. Make sure to follow the recommended dosage to prevent any complications, as this is intended for short-term relief.
Home Remedies for Toothache Relief
Toothaches can make it tough to get through the day, especially at night. Luckily, some simple home remedies can help ease toothache pain and discomfort. You can try various at-home remedies, like a cold compress or clove oil, to manage soreness and get some relief. These methods can make a big difference when you’re struggling with a toothache before bed.
Applying a Cold Compress to Reduce Swelling
A cold compress is a go-to remedy for reducing swelling and easing toothache pain. The cold helps constrict blood vessels, which can reduce inflammation in the affected area. Place a wrapped ice pack on your cheek, close to the tooth that’s causing pain. Let the cold compress sit for 15 to 20 minutes for soothing relief.
Using Clove Oil for Natural Numbing
Clove oil is an effective, all-natural way to numb toothaches. It contains eugenol, a compound that has a mild numbing effect, which may help relieve tooth pain. Take a cotton ball and apply a small amount of clove oil directly to the tooth that’s causing pain. This natural numbing agent can help reduce toothache pain and relieve discomfort, especially if you’re looking for a simple, at-home solution to get through the night.
Best Sleeping Positions to Minimize Toothache Pain
Toothache pain can feel worse depending on how you sleep. Here are some positions that may help minimize discomfort:
- Sleep on your back. Lying on your back with your head elevated can help reduce toothache pain by keeping pressure off the affected area.
- Sleep with your head higher. Propping up your head with pillows helps keep blood from rushing to the tooth, easing toothache pain.
- Avoid sleeping on the affected side. Sleeping on the side with the toothache can make the pain worse, putting more pressure on the affected tooth.
These easy tips can significantly help manage toothache pain at night, making it easier to sleep comfortably.
Keeping Your Head Elevated
Keeping your head elevated is key to reducing toothache pain at night. When you lie flat, blood flows to your head, which can increase swelling around the tooth. By propping up your head with pillows, you help minimize this swelling and reduce toothache pain. This simple position can provide relief and make it easier to fall asleep with tooth pain.
Avoiding Positions That Worsen Pressure
Certain sleeping positions can make toothache pain worse, especially if they put pressure on the affected tooth. Avoid sleeping on the side with the painful tooth, as this can intensify the pressure and make it harder to sleep. Instead, sleep on your back with your head elevated to prevent further pain and give your body a chance to rest comfortably throughout the night.
Can CBD or THC Provide Relief for Toothaches?
CBD and THC are both natural compounds found in hemp plants that may help with toothaches. CBD, or cannabidiol, is known for easing discomfort and swelling, making it useful for relieving minor toothaches.
THC, the main compound in cannabis, creates an intense, full-body experience that may soothe strong toothaches. These cannabinoids work with your body’s system to reduce discomfort, offering temporary relief from dental issues, and making it easier to sleep through a toothache at night.
Cheef Botanicals’ Products for Natural Relief and Sleep
These gummies use CBD and CBN, both hemp-based cannabinoids, to promote comfort and relaxation and help you sleep better. Here are two options to try:
- D9-THC + CBN Gummies for Sleep. These gummies combine THC and CBN to help you relax and fall asleep easier. With melatonin added, they support a deep, restful sleep.
- CBD + CBN Gummies for Sleep. If you want to skip the THC, try these gummies with CBD and CBN. They promote natural sleep and relaxation while easing soreness. Just take one gummy before bed for better rest.
When to See a Dentist About Toothache Pain
Tooth pain can range from slight discomfort to severe, throbbing pain. If the pain is persistent or getting worse, it’s important to seek appropriate treatment from a dentist. If left untreated, the pain may cause further damage and complications. Read on to learn when to see a dentist for toothache pain and why it’s essential to address dental pain early to relieve minor pain and prevent more serious issues.
Recognizing Signs of Severe Dental Issues and Toothache Pain
When toothache pain becomes more intense, it could indicate a serious dental issue. If you’re experiencing any of these painful symptoms, it’s time to seek dental care. Waiting could make your toothache pain and condition worse and make it harder to relieve minor pain. Here are some signs to watch for:
- Severe pain that doesn’t go away
- Swelling around the gums or jaw
- Fever or other symptoms of infection
- Tooth sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
- Pulsating or throbbing toothache
Importance of Addressing the Root Cause of Toothache Pain
Toothaches are usually caused by underlying problems such as tooth decay or gum disease. Treating just the pain won’t fix the problem. It’s important to address the root cause to avoid further complications. A dentist can help figure out what’s causing your toothache and suggest the best treatment to relieve pain and prevent more serious dental issues.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sleeping with a Toothache
Is It Safe to Sleep After Taking OTC Pain Relievers?
Ibuprofen and acetaminophen are effective at reducing pain and inflammation. It’s generally safe to sleep after taking these medications, as they can provide temporary relief from painful toothache symptoms. Be sure to follow the recommended dosage to prevent side effects, and use them only for short-term relief until you can get proper treatment for the root cause of the tooth pain.
Can Stress Make Tooth Pain Worse at Night?
Yes, stress can make tooth pain worse, especially at night. When you’re stressed, you may clench your jaw or grind your teeth, which can increase toothache pain and discomfort. This is particularly common during sleep, where you may not even realize you’re putting extra pressure on your teeth. Finding ways to manage stress can soothe minor tooth pain and improve your overall sleep quality.
How Long Can Tooth Pain Last?
Tooth pain can range from lasting a few hours to several days, depending on the cause. If the toothache pain is due to a minor issue, like food stuck in your teeth, it may go away quickly with a simple rinse or floss. However, more severe toothaches caused by gum disease or tooth decay may persist until treated by a dentist.
Final Thoughts on How to Sleep with Toothache
Toothache pain at night can really make it tough to fall asleep. Fortunately, using simple remedies such as a cold compress or CBD can soothe soreness and offer quick relief. Additionally, keeping your head elevated can reduce discomfort and help you sleep better. If the pain continues, it’s a good idea to visit a dentist for appropriate treatment to address the underlying cause.
For added relief, Cheef Botanicals offers a trusted line of hemp products designed to help manage tooth pain. Remember, don’t ignore tooth pain—taking care of your oral health will pay off in the long run!
