4 Tips to Stop a Toothache from Ruining Your Sleep

After a long day, you may be ready to do nothing but get ready for bed. Your blanket is calling your name to drift you off into dreamland and have a rejuvenating rest. But what if you start to feel some dental discomfort creeping up? It can disrupt your needed sleep, but how can you stop it? Here is what to do if you have a toothache at night and what you should do first thing in the morning.

1.)  Sleep with an Extra Pillow

When you lie down, your blood pressure rises because your heart is now in line with the rest of your body. It doesn’t have to fight gravity to pump blood upward to your face, but this added pressure can make the discomfort you feel worse. A great (and comfortable) way to avoid this is by sleeping with two pillows to prop your head up.

2.)  Brush and Floss One More Time

For some people, they might’ve had a midnight snack before their toothache popped up. It may be a stray piece of food that got stuck and is causing problems. By brushing and flossing, you can dislodge the morsel. If you have trouble getting it out, then try tying a knot in your floss and use that small amount of added thickness to knock it out of place.

3.)  Rinse with Warm Salt Water

If you notice any inflammation with your toothache, then consider rinsing with warm salt water. This can help clear out any debris while also washing away harmful bacteria. All you have to do is add a tablespoon of this seasoning into a glass of warm water and swish it around like mouthwash.

4.)  Take Pain Relievers

A great way to relieve the pain for long enough to sleep is with some over-the-counter medication. Ibuprofen (like Motrin or Advil) and acetaminophen (like Tylenol) can alleviate the discomfort you’re feeling. Remember to stick to the directions on the bottle!

Call Your Dentist in the Morning

Once you find a solution that works for you and wake up in the morning, call your emergency dentist right away. The four tips above are only temporary, so your toothache may only come back later. By getting the treatment you need, you can get a permanent fix to the issue and pave the way for multiple restful nights ahead.

About the Author

At Terry Rakowsky, DMD, you benefit from the compassionate leadership of Dr. Rakowsky and Dr. Sean Brown. We are here to help the Doylestown community throughout their oral healthcare journey, especially during dental emergencies. By offering same-day urgent visits, you can get the effective service you need to get the relief you deserve. If you have a toothache that’s making it harder to sleep through bedtime, the fastest way to schedule an appointment is by calling (215) 348-2224.