How To Sleep With A Toothache – Managing Toothache Pain

A toothache is a particularly painful and uncomfortable experience. It can manifest itself as an aching, throbbing, or even sharp pain right in the teeth and gums that can radiate to other parts of the face, head and neck. Pain levels may vary from mild to extreme – but whatever it may be, it’s not something you want to experience while trying to get a good night’s sleep.

So how to sleep comfortably with a toothache? Read more as we’ll share some tips about this matter in today’s post.

Things You Can Do To Manage and Alleviate The Pain Of A Toothache So You Can Sleep Well

When you’re dealing with a toothache, the biggest challenge can be getting a good night’s sleep. It’s no secret that a toothache can be exceptionally painful, and it can make it difficult to concentrate on anything else. But when your body needs rest, it’s important to make sure that you’re giving yourself the best chance of sleeping soundly. Fortunately, there are some things that can help you manage the pain and discomfort associated with a toothache to make it easier for you to get some restful sleep. Here are some tips on how to sleep easy with a toothache:

Take Pain Relievers Before Bed

Taking over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen prior to bed can help manage the tooth pain so that it is more manageable during the night. One of the most common treatments for a toothache is over-the-counter pain relief medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. These can be taken before bed to help reduce the pain and make it easier to sleep. Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen are effective for treating mild to moderate tooth pain. These medications work by blocking enzymes in the body that cause inflammation and pain. If your doctor has prescribed an antibiotic to treat a dental infection, make sure you take it as directed to help speed up healing.

Aside from that, taking acetaminophen before going to bed may also help relieve tooth pain.

Using Numbing Gels

A prescription-strength numbing gel may also be applied directly onto the gums around the sore tooth to help numb the area, making it more comfortable. Applying topical anesthetics like Orajel or Anbesol to the affected side of your mouth can help numb the pain as you rest.

It may also help to use an oral antiseptic mouthwash before bed to help kill any bacteria in your mouth that could be causing the toothache.

Use Heat and Cold Therapy

Applying a warm compress or cold pack to the affected area before bed may help reduce pain and swelling. These are some of the common home remedies that are known to be effective. Rinsing with a mixture of warm water and salt to help reduce inflammation and provide relief from the pain. A cold or warm compress on the side of the face can also be used to relieve some of the discomfort.

Try Relaxation Techniques

Taking some time to focus on relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation can help you drift off to sleep more easily.

To be specific, deep breathing helps to circulate more oxygen throughout the body, which in turn relaxes the muscles and alleviates tooth pain.

As for meditating, you can start by taking slow, deep breaths and slowly counting each inhalation and exhalation until you reach ten. This will help to keep your mind focused on something other than the pain and discomfort caused by the toothache.

Another meditative practice which can be helpful when you are suffering from a toothache is visualization. Visualize yourself in a peaceful location of your choice, such as on the beach or near a waterfall. Try to focus on the sights and sounds around you, and use these calming images to help soothe your pain.

While practicing progressive muscle relaxation involves tensing and then releasing each muscle group in turn, starting at the feet and working your way up to the head. Tensing for a count of four and then releasing for a count of six helps to relax each muscle group one after the other.

Change Sleeping Positions

If the pain is worse when you are lying on your side, try sleeping in a different position such as on your back or stomach.

See Your Dentist

If the toothache persists despite trying home remedies or these tips, it’s important to see a dentist as soon as possible for an evaluation and treatment as needed.

By following these tips, you can help maximize your chances of getting a good night’s sleep despite toothache pain. Remember to see a dentist if the pain persists or worsens in order to get the proper treatment for any underlying causes.