What To Do If You Can’t Sleep Because of Toothache

3 weeks ago

A pounding tooth can turn a quiet night into a long, restless stretch. If you are asking yourself what to do if you can’t sleep because of toothache, you are not alone. Tooth pain loves to flare up at night, when distractions fade and pressure builds.

This guide shows how to calm the pain fast, set up your sleep for success, and know when to call a dentist. You will learn simple steps you can do right now, what actually helps, and what to avoid. By the end, you will have a plan for tonight and a path to fix the root cause.

If you need one thing right away, remember this: reduce swelling, quiet nerves, and protect the tooth. Those three ideas help you get back to bed. Let’s cover the details so you can use them with confidence and get some rest.

Primary topic: what to do if you can’t sleep because of toothache.

Why Toothaches Feel Worse At Night

Nighttime pain hits harder for a few reasons.

You are lying flat, which increases blood flow to your head and can raise pressure in the tooth.
You notice pain more when your brain is not busy.
Late-night snacks or cold drinks may trigger nerves in a sensitive tooth.
Grinding or clenching can make a sore tooth throb.

Good news, small changes can reduce all four of these triggers.

Quick Relief You Can Try Right Now

If you need relief in minutes, use these practical steps. Combine two or three for a stronger effect.

Cold compress: Place a cold pack or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a thin towel on the cheek near the sore tooth. Use for 15 to 20 minutes, then rest for 20 minutes. Repeat up to an hour. Cold reduces swelling and numbs the area.
Saltwater rinse: Mix 1 cup warm water with 1/2 teaspoon salt. Swish gently for 30 seconds, spit, and repeat once. Saltwater cleans and calms inflamed tissue.
Floss and gentle brushing: Food trapped between teeth can trigger sharp pain. Floss around the sore tooth with care, then brush gently. Do not jab or force the floss.
Over-the-counter pain relief: Ibuprofen or naproxen can reduce pain and inflammation. Acetaminophen can help too, especially if you cannot take ibuprofen. Always follow the label and your doctor’s guidance.
Topical relief: A small amount of oral anesthetic gel with benzocaine can numb gum tissue for a short time. Use as directed. Do not use on children under 2 unless a doctor says it is safe.
Elevate your head: Stack two pillows so your head stays higher than your heart. This reduces blood flow pressure to the tooth and can ease throbbing.

Skip placing aspirin directly on the tooth or gum. It can burn the tissue and make things worse.

Sleep Positions That Calm Tooth Pain

Body position can dial pain up or down. Choose a setup that reduces pressure and swelling.

Back sleeping with extra pillows: Keeps the head high and the jaw neutral.
Side sleeping on the non-painful side: Avoids pressure on the sore area.
Avoid stomach sleeping: It puts strain on the jaw and neck, which can intensify pain.

If you have a wedge pillow, use it. A slight incline makes a big difference with throbbing pain.

Food and Drink Choices That Help You Sleep

Sensitive teeth protest when hit by temperature swings or sugar. A few tweaks before bed can pay off.

Choose lukewarm drinks: Not hot, not iced. Extreme temperatures can spike pain.
Skip sugars and acids at night: Candy, soda, citrus, and vinegar can irritate.
Avoid hard, crunchy snacks: Chips, nuts, or ice can press on the tooth.
Drink water: Hydration supports saliva, which protects teeth and gums.

If you need a light snack, pick soft, cool-neutral options like yogurt without fruit bits or scrambled eggs.

Calming Techniques To Help You Drift Off

Pain wakes up the stress response. Your body tenses, which makes pain feel louder. Use short, simple techniques to ease the cycle.

Box breathing: Inhale 4 seconds, hold 4, exhale 4, hold 4. Repeat 10 times.
Progressive muscle relaxation: Starting at your feet, tense a muscle group for 3 seconds, release for 5. Move upward to your jaw and face.
Guided audio: Play a short sleep story or light nature sounds at a low volume.
Mindful attention: Notice the sensation without judgment. Label it as “warm,” “throb,” or “tight.” The brain reduces the alarm when you name it.

These do not replace dental care. They help take the edge off so you can sleep.

Do This, Not That: Toothache Night Kit

Create a simple routine you can repeat. A predictable order can lower anxiety and make pain easier to manage.

Rinse: Warm saltwater, gentle swish, spit. Twice.
Clean: Floss around the sore tooth, then brush softly with a soft-bristled brush.
Cold: Apply a cold compress for 15 minutes.
Medicate: Take an over-the-counter pain reliever as directed. Apply a small amount of oral gel if needed.
Set sleep: Elevate head, dim lights, play calm audio, breathe.

Repeat parts of this kit if you wake up again. Consistency helps.

What Causes Night Tooth Pain?

Toothaches have many sources. Some require quick treatment. Others are manageable until morning.

Cavity: Decay reaches the inner layer, causing sensitivity or sharp pain.
Gum infection: Swollen, tender gums that bleed can signal gum disease.
Abscess: A pocket of infection triggers throbbing pain, swelling, or a bad taste.
Cracked tooth: Pain when biting or with temperature changes.
Eruption pain: Wisdom teeth pushing through the gums.
Grinding or clenching: Sore jaw and teeth in the morning, worn edges.
Sinus issues: Upper back teeth ache with congestion or pressure.

Knowing the cause helps you decide your next step and who to call.

When To Call A Dentist Right Away

Some signs point to urgent care. Do not wait these out.

Facial swelling or a pimple-like bump on the gum
Fever, chills, or feeling ill
Severe pain that does not respond to medication
Trouble swallowing or breathing
Ongoing bad taste or pus in your mouth
Tooth knocked loose or trauma to your jaw

If the pain is moderate and you can control it with home care, schedule the next available appointment. Tooth pain rarely improves on its own. Early treatment saves time, money, and sleep.

Safe Pain Relief Options, Explained

Medication can help, especially at night. Here is a quick guide you can review before bed.

Ibuprofen: Helps reduce inflammation and pain. Often first choice if you can take NSAIDs.
Naproxen: Longer lasting than ibuprofen, helpful for night coverage.
Acetaminophen: Eases pain without affecting inflammation. Good option if NSAIDs are not safe for you.
Combining options: Some adults find relief by alternating acetaminophen with ibuprofen. Only do this if you understand the timing and doses. Read labels and ask a pharmacist if unsure.

Avoid exceeding the daily limit for any medication. Avoid alcohol while taking pain relievers. If you have kidney, liver, heart, or stomach issues, or you are pregnant, ask a healthcare professional about safe choices.

What About Clove Oil, Tea Bags, and Home Remedies?

Some traditional remedies can help, and others can harm. Here is a simple comparison to keep it straight.

Remedy	How it may help	How to use safely	Risks or notes
Clove oil	Contains eugenol, a natural numbing agent	Dilute with carrier oil, apply a tiny amount	Can irritate tissue if used too strong
Peppermint tea	Mild soothing, warm moisture	Lukewarm tea, swish gently or apply tea bag	Keep it lukewarm, not hot
Saltwater rinse	Reduces bacteria and swelling	1/2 tsp salt in 1 cup warm water, swish and spit	Safe if not swallowed in large amounts
Hydrogen peroxide	Lowers bacteria if diluted correctly	Only 3 percent diluted half with water, do not swallow	Do not use if you have open sores or kids present
Garlic paste	Natural antimicrobial	Small amount on cotton, brief contact	Can burn gums, odor, limited evidence
Aspirin on tooth	None	Do not use topically	Burns gums and worsens pain

If a remedy stings, stop and rinse with water. Pain relief from home methods is often short-lived. Use them to get through the night, not as a substitute for treatment.

Protect The Tooth Until You See A Dentist

Your goal tonight is to avoid new irritation and keep the area clean.

Soft diet: Choose soups, smoothies, eggs, or mashed foods at a neutral temperature.
Chew on the opposite side: Keep pressure off the sore tooth.
Use a soft brush: Clean gently along the gumline and around the tooth.
Avoid sticky foods: Caramels, dried fruit, and gum can pull on a damaged filling.
Fluoride rinse: An alcohol-free fluoride mouthwash can help strengthen enamel.

If a filling or crown came off, you can use temporary dental cement from a pharmacy to cover the area until your appointment. Follow package directions.

Nighttime Habits That Support Better Sleep With Pain

Your sleep setup can work for you. A few small changes improve your odds of falling asleep even with discomfort.

Keep the room cool and dark. A lower temperature signals rest.
Reduce screen use for 30 minutes before bed. Blue light keeps you alert.
Avoid caffeine after mid-afternoon. It can raise pain sensitivity at night.
Set a wind-down routine. Repeat the same steps each night to train your brain.
Keep a notepad by the bed. If worry spirals, write down the task to handle tomorrow.

None of these fixes a cavity, but they help your body switch into sleep mode while you arrange care.

How Long Can You Wait Before Seeing A Dentist?

Short answer, not long. If you can sleep after home care and the pain is mild, you might wait a day or two for a standard appointment. If the pain is severe, wakes you often, or you notice swelling, call first thing in the morning and ask for an urgent slot.

For weekend or holiday pain with swelling or fever, look for an emergency dental clinic or urgent care. Infections can spread quickly.

Quick FAQs For the Middle of the Night

Can I put ice directly on my gum? No. Place the cold pack on your cheek, not inside your mouth.
Will alcohol numb the pain? Alcohol irritates tissues and conflicts with pain meds. Skip it.
Is it safe to sleep after taking painkillers? Yes, if you follow the label and your doctor’s advice.
Should I keep rinsing all night? Two or three gentle rinses are enough. Overdoing it can irritate gums.
What if the pain went away suddenly? Relief can happen when a nerve dies, which is not a fix. You still need a dentist.

Prevention After You Fix the Problem

Once your dentist treats the cause, protect your sleep with a few habits.

Brush twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste.
Floss every day. It takes two minutes and saves many headaches.
Use a night guard if you grind or clench.
Limit frequent snacking, especially sugary or acidic foods.
See your dentist for cleanings and checkups twice a year, or as advised.

Prevention sounds basic, but it stops most toothaches before they start.

A Sample Night Plan You Can Follow

Use this quick plan tonight if you are tired and just want steps.

Rinse with warm saltwater, twice.
Floss around the sore tooth, then brush gently.
Take a pain reliever that works for you.
Apply a cold compress for 15 minutes.
Set up two pillows to elevate your head.
Put on a calming audio track and practice box breathing for 3 minutes.
Keep water by the bed. If you wake, sip, breathe, and reapply the cold compress.
Call your dentist in the morning to book the earliest appointment.

Keep it simple. Having a plan reduces stress, which reduces pain spikes.

Signs the Pain Might Be From Your Sinuses

If multiple upper back teeth ache, your head feels full, and bending forward worsens pain, your sinuses may be involved. Try a warm shower, saline nasal spray, or a decongestant if your doctor says it is okay for you. You still need dental care if tooth pain persists once congestion improves.

What To Tell Your Dentist Tomorrow

Give a clear, short summary. It helps the dentist act faster.

Where the pain is and what triggers it, such as biting, cold, or sweet.
When it started and whether it wakes you at night.
What you tried and what helped, such as ibuprofen or cold compress.
Any swelling, fever, or bad taste.

Bring a list of medications and allergies. If you grind your teeth, mention it. If something broke, bring the piece with you.

The Bottom Line

If you wonder what to do if you can’t sleep because of toothache, focus on these core moves. Reduce swelling with cold, clean the area, use safe pain relief, and sleep with your head elevated. Avoid extreme temperatures, sugars, and aspirin on the tooth. Call your dentist soon, or immediately if there is swelling, fever, or severe pain.

Toothaches at night feel huge, but you can take control. Start with the steps above, then get the dental care that solves the cause. Your goal is simple, less pain tonight and a healthy mouth tomorrow.

Sleep and relief start with a clear plan, then follow-through.

FAQ:

Why does tooth pain feel worse at night?

Pain often spikes when you lie flat, since blood flows more to your head and increases pressure. You also have fewer distractions, so you notice pain more. Teeth grinding or clenching in sleep can add to it.

What can I do right now to fall asleep?

Take an over-the-counter pain reliever as directed on the label. Many adults rotate ibuprofen and acetaminophen, but ask a pharmacist what is safe for you.
Keep your head raised with extra pillows.
Rinse gently with warm saltwater, 1/2 teaspoon salt in a cup of warm water.
Apply a cold compress to your cheek for 10 to 15 minutes on and off.
Floss around the painful tooth to clear trapped food, do not force it.
Avoid sugary snacks, alcohol, very hot drinks, and smoking before bed.

Which pain relievers work best for dental pain?

Ibuprofen often helps because it targets inflammation. Acetaminophen can reduce pain too. Some people alternate them, but drug interactions and health conditions matter. Follow the label, avoid doubling products that contain acetaminophen, and ask a pharmacist if you take blood thinners, have stomach, liver, kidney, or heart issues, or are pregnant.

Should I use a topical gel or clove oil?

Benzocaine gels can numb briefly, but avoid in children under 2 and use sparingly in older kids and adults.
Clove oil contains eugenol, which can irritate gums and is not well proven for strong pain. If you try it, dilute with a neutral oil, apply with a cotton swab, and stop if it burns.
Do not place aspirin on the tooth or gums. It can burn soft tissue.

Is heat or ice better?

Use cold on the cheek. Avoid heat on your face if you might have an infection, since heat can worsen swelling.

What sleep position helps?

Sleep with your head raised on two pillows, or in a recliner. Lying flat can increase throbbing.

Can a saltwater rinse really help?

Yes, it can calm irritated gums and wash out debris. Rinse gently with warm, not hot, water. Do not swallow the rinse.

When should I call a dentist urgently?

Swelling in your face or jaw
Fever, bad taste with pus, or a pimple on the gum
Trouble breathing or swallowing
Severe pain after trauma or a cracked tooth
Pain that does not improve with OTC medicine These can signal an abscess or other urgent problem.

Do I need antibiotics?

Not for pain alone. Antibiotics are used when there are signs of infection, like swelling and fever. Only a dentist should prescribe them. The fix for most dental pain is a procedure, not antibiotics.

What can I do if a filling fell out at night?

Rinse gently, keep the area clean, and use temporary dental filling material or wax from a pharmacy to cover sharp edges. Avoid chewing on that side. Book a dental visit soon.

Could it be my wisdom tooth?

Partially erupted wisdom teeth can trap food and cause sore gums, called pericoronitis. Rinse with warm saltwater, clean gently around the area, use a cold compress, and see a dentist for cleaning or further treatment.

How can I prevent night-time tooth pain in the future?

Treat cavities and cracked teeth early.
Manage grinding with a night guard if your dentist recommends it.
Keep a steady brushing and flossing routine.
Avoid snacking on sugary or acidic foods at night.
Get regular cleanings and checkups.

Is it safe to use a night guard when my tooth hurts?

If you already have a custom night guard, you can try it, as long as it does not press on the sore tooth. If it increases pain, skip it and call your dentist.

What if I’m pregnant?

Acetaminophen is usually preferred in pregnancy. Avoid ibuprofen in the third trimester. Skip clove oil and strong topical anesthetics unless your clinician approves. See your dentist promptly since dental infections carry risks in pregnancy.

How do I help a child who can’t sleep from tooth pain?

Use child-dose acetaminophen or ibuprofen based on weight, and follow the label. Avoid benzocaine gels in children under 2. Do not place aspirin on gums. Use a cold compress, keep the head raised, and call a pediatric dentist as soon as possible.

Could sinus issues cause tooth pain at night?

Yes, sinus pressure can make upper back teeth ache. If you also have nasal congestion or sinus pressure, try a saline nasal rinse and sleep with your head raised. Still see a dentist to rule out a dental cause.

What are red flags that need emergency care, not just a dental visit?

Go to urgent care or the ER if you have spreading facial swelling, fever with chills, trouble breathing or swallowing, eye swelling, confusion, or severe dehydration. These can indicate a serious infection.