5 Tips to Sleep Through a Toothache

Getting plenty of rest a night is crucial so you can thrive during the day. However, it can be difficult to get any sleep at all when you have a nagging toothache. Of course, it’s important that you see your dentist first thing in the morning, but how can you manage your discomfort until then? Continue reading to learn about some tips and tricks that others have found helpful at relieving their discomfort.

Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers

Pain relievers that you find over the counter can be highly effective at temporarily reducing discomfort – like dental pain. Medication like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and aspirin can all be effective. Numbing pastes and gels that contain benzocaine can also help to dull your discomfort. Make sure to follow the package’s instructions when taking medications of any kind.

Keep Your Head Elevated

When you lay down flat, more blood flows to your head. This can intensify your toothache. To prevent this from happening, keep your head elevated as much as you can. You can do this by propping up your head with extra pillows or sleeping in a recliner.

Avoid Aggravating Foods

Some foods can aggravate your toothache, making it more challenging for you to get to sleep. Stay away from foods that are particularly acidic, cold, or hard so they don’t trigger any further pain by aggravating cavities or other issues.

Use a Cold Compress

Using a cold compress or an ice pack wrapped in a towel helps to relieve discomfort by constricting the blood vessels in the area it is applied. This numbs the area that is in pain. Cold temperatures can also help to reduce inflammation and swelling. This is especially helpful if your toothache is the result of an injury. Keep the cold compress on the area for about 20 minutes at a time.

Saltwater Rinse

Rinsing your mouth with salt water is an effective remedy that you can do at home. Doing so helps to wash away food particles that are stuck between the teeth and linger in the mouth. Salt water is also a natural disinfectant, so it can help to reduce inflammation in the mouth and heal oral wounds. Just mix about half a teaspoon of salt in warm water. Swish it around your mouth.

Until you see a dentist in the morning, try some of the tips lifted above. They might help you get some relief.

About the Practice

At Healthy Smiles Dental Care, we have a team of skilled dentists serving patients in the Chelsea community. With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything they need under one roof. If you are suffering from tooth pain, we would be happy to help you get some relief. To learn more about emergency dentistry or to schedule an appointment, visit our website or call (734) 475-8911.