How to sleep with a toothache

How do you sleep with a toothache?

Healthline suggests over-the-counter medicines such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen or aspirin for minor pain, propping your head higher than your body or adding an extra pillow so blood does not pool in your head and intensify the pain, wrapping an ice pack in cloth and resting the painful side of your face on it, and avoiding acidic, cold or hard foods right before bed. Cleveland Clinic lists warm salt water rinses and an ice pack wrapped in a towel held against the outside of the jaw for about 20 minutes several times a day. Take medicines as directed on the label.

Why is toothache worse at night?

Healthline says lying down can let blood pool in the head, adding pressure, that with fewer daytime distractions you may notice the pain more, and that pain may return as the effects of pain relievers wear off. These are general explanations in the article rather than findings from studies.

What side should you sleep on?

The sources we read do not say which side to sleep on. Healthline says to elevate your head, and resting the painful side on an ice pack. Many people prefer to lie on the side that does not hurt, which is general advice and flagged. Avoid pressing on the painful side if it makes pain worse.

Can numbing gels or mouthwash help?

Healthline says numbing gels or pastes with benzocaine may help you fall asleep, but not to use them for children under two, and says an alcohol-based mouthwash may numb and disinfect, though the article's evidence for this is not given, so we flag it. Healthline also mentions rinsing with salt water. Cleveland Clinic lists a rinse with diluted hydrogen peroxide, spat out and never swallowed, never used undiluted.

What about sleeping with a toothache while pregnant?

The sources we read do not cover pregnancy and toothache. The ADA's pregnancy page, which we cite in our fillings guides, says dental care including emergency care is considered safe in pregnancy, so tell your dentist you are pregnant and book promptly. Check any medicine with your doctor or pharmacist, since the sources here do not address use in pregnancy.

When should you see a dentist?

Healthline suggests monitoring the pain for 24 hours, and says that if it fades it may have been minor irritation, but to make an appointment if the pain is severe or lasts longer than two days, and to seek care for fever, headache, pain when opening your mouth or any trouble breathing or swallowing. Cleveland Clinic says to see a dentist for a toothache lasting more than two days, swelling in the face or jaw, or pain when opening wide, and to go to the emergency room for swelling below the eye, a knot on the jaw, severe pain medication does not relieve, bleeding that will not stop, or a fever above 101°F.

What causes toothache?

Cleveland Clinic lists cavities, an abscessed tooth, a cracked tooth, a damaged filling or crown, teeth grinding or clenching and gum disease, and says minor pain can come from temporary gum irritation, such as biting something hard. Our guides on toothaches cover causes and care in more detail.

What not to do

Do not put aspirin directly on the gum, a home tip that the sources we read do not support and that can burn the tissue; this is general advice and flagged. Do not take more medicine than the label allows, and do not ignore pain because it eases at night; Cleveland Clinic says pain can fade if the pulp dies, but the infection continues, so you should still see a dentist. Avoid very hot or cold food and drink before bed if they trigger the pain.

Questions to ask your dentist

Take these to your appointment.

• What is causing my toothache?
• Do I need an X-ray?
• What can I take or do until treatment?
• How soon do I need treatment?
• What symptoms mean I should return or go to emergency care?

Frequently asked questions