This Toothache Is Keeping Me Awake; How Can I Get Some Shuteye?

Toothaches vary wildly in severity, and you may find it hard to ignore dental pain at night since there is less stimulation to distract you. While this can make it quite difficult to fall asleep, there are a few effective consumer products and home remedies for toothache that can make it easier to get some shuteye before you call your emergency dentist in the morning. Here’s a brief guide to how you can reduce your dental discomfort to make sleep easier.

Why Does My Tooth Hurt Worse at Night?

If your toothache seems to be worse at night, it may be because there are fewer lights and sounds then than during the day. The hustle and bustle of navigating traffic, working, cooking, cleaning, and enjoying recreational activities can keep the mind occupied and make it harder to notice dental pain. However, you may find that it is difficult to ignore your discomfort when you are trying to sleep in a comfortable bed in a quiet, dark bedroom.

How Can I Address My Toothache so I Can Sleep?

The first thing to do when you have a toothache is enjoy a thorough oral hygiene session that includes brushing and flossing in case the problem is simply an unusually large object stuck between teeth. If this doesn’t resolve the problem, consider these home remedies:

• Taking an over-the-counter pain reliever
• Rinsing with a solution of salt and water
• Applying an oral analgesic
• Using pillows or cushions to prop up your head or sleeping in a recliner. This will allow gravity to slightly reduce the blood pressure in your troubled tooth and the stress it can cause.
• Soaking a cotton ball in clove oil and holding it over the afflicted tooth. Clove oil has mild anesthetic properties and is an ancient remedy for toothache.

What Should I Do When I Wake Up?

If your dental pain is severe or lasts for more than a day, it’s important to call your emergency dentist to schedule an appointment. At their office, they will evaluate the troubled tooth to determine the source of the problem and the best way to resolve it. This may involve removing debris from the gum tissue or treatments like fillings or root canals. However, a tooth that is too severely infected to be saved will need to be extracted and replaced.

Don’t let a toothache deprive you of the sleep you need to enjoy the next day. These home remedies can help you get some shuteye so you can be well-rested for when you call your emergency dentist in the morning.

About the Author

Dr. Jeffery F. Hermen earned his dental degree at the OU College of Dentistry and participates in continuing education coursework to keep his skills current. He is a proud member of the Oklahoma Dental Association and the Oklahoma County Dental Society. His office in Oklahoma City offers general, pediatric, and emergency dental services. If you have severe dental pain, dial (405) 621-2100. For non-urgent inquiries, please contact his practice online.