Can’t Sleep Because of a Toothache? 4 Tips to Get Relief

If you’re in bed after a long day, you may be ready to answer the call that’s sleep. It beckons you to enjoy a nice slumber, but what if you feel a toothache disrupting your peace? It can be annoying to deal with, especially as it may be stealing your needed rest. Thankfully, by following these simple tips, you can know what to do if you have a toothache at night (plus what you should do in the morning).

1.)  Brush and Floss Again

Some people enjoy a snack before bed to subdue any hunger they have. In some cases, a stray piece of food may be stuck and cause discomfort. By brushing again, you can get the morsel out and get back to resting. However, if that doesn’t help, then floss and tie a knot in it to knock anything out of place.

2.)  Swish Warm Salt Water

Your toothache may be paired with inflammation. If this is true for you, then you should consider doing a warm saltwater rinse. This can help wash away harmful bacteria and debris. By adding a tablespoon of salt to a glass of warm water and swishing it around, you can hopefully find some relief.

3.)  Use an Extra Pillow

When you are lying down, your blood pressure rises. This is a normal bodily response, as your heart doesn’t have to fight gravity to send blood toward your face. However, the extra pressure can make dental discomfort worse. Thankfully, lifting your head up with an extra pillow while you sleep can be effective and lessen the toothache.

4.)  Take Over-the-Counter Medication

Last but not least, you can try taking some pain relievers! They can hold back what you’re feeling for long enough until you are fast asleep. Try using ibuprofen (such as Advil or Motrin) or acetaminophen (like Tylenol) to find relief. Just be sure that you follow the instructions on the bottle.

First Thing to Do in the Morning

Hopefully, one of these works for you during the night. As you get the sleep you deserve, you should call your emergency dentist right away once you wake up. While the four tips above can help, they are only temporary. A visit to your provider can let you know why you are experiencing a toothache and how you can get a permanent solution to it. That way, you can look forward to enjoying pain-free and restful nights you need.

About the Practice

Led by Dr. Eric Marsh and Dr. Michele Pisano-Marsh, our team in Allentown is happy to help the community with their oral healthcare. We are here to help you through your dental emergencies, such as a toothache, by offering same-day urgent visits. This will help us give you the treatment you need to find relief as soon as possible. If you are dealing with some dental discomfort, the fastest way to schedule an appointment is by calling (610) 432-8037.