How to get rid of a toothache is possible to find relief with several remedies.
You are lying in bed trying to get to sleep. Why as you have a toothache. The pain is annoying, and you toss and turn around. How am I going to get to sleep?
The good news is with learning the following home remedies discussed here.
You will get to sleep as they help to relieve your toothache at night. So grab some cold compression while browsing through treatments we have here.
Table of Contents
Why Do I Get Toothache at Night?
Yes, toothache at night is more present than during the day. They are bothersome in the day but worsens at night. Yet, according to Dental House, there are four reasons why it hurts more during the evening, as seen here:
- Toothaches are severe at night while sleeping because there is more blood flow rushing to your head. Thus it leads to that throbbing sensation you feel when trying to get some ZZZs.
- When you sleep, your brain is not as active as during the day, becoming more aware of the pain. Yes, it may feel worse, but it helps to clear the mind and fall asleep.
- Another reason your teeth are more painful is if you ate something sweet after dinner. That sugary snack might have gotten stuck in your teeth, and if not brushing your teeth before bed, it starts aggravating it.
- Lastly, you might do unconscious grinding when sleeping, waking you up with a toothache.
How To Get Rid of Toothache at Night?
One thing that is difficult to treat at night is toothache. But the following methods are always worth a try to help relieve that nagging pain.
Using Oral Pain Medication
Taking an OTC (over-the-counter) medication such as Tylenol or Advil provides quick relief of pain in the teeth for some people. However, it helps to remain in the recommended dosage prescribed on the package. Yet, if your toothache becomes severe, try to get to the dentist the next day.
Get Rid of Toothache at Night Using Cold Compression
Another home remedy for toothache at night is cold compression with a bag of ice wrapped in your towel. Place it to the affected side to help constrict the blood vessels to reduce the pain. You can keep it on the affected area for up to 20-minutes. It helps to do this every few hours before going to bed.
Try Elevating Your Head
Elevating your head prevents the pooling of blood that can lead to inflammation or pain in the tooth. It helps to use another pillow or two as it might help relieve the pain allowing you to fall asleep.
How to Get Rid of Toothache at Night Using Medicated Ointment?
Using an OTC ointment such as a numbing gel similar to the ones you use on a baby cutting teeth might also help. These ointments have benzocaine that helps numb the area. But do not use the same ointment on your child with benzocaine as the ones made for infants use different ingredients safe for a baby to use.
Get Rid of Toothache Rinsing Your Mought With Salt Water
Saltwater is one of the best home remedies to treat toothache. It is a natural antibacterial solution that helps reduce inflammation. Further, it helps with protecting your teeth against infection. Further, the salt solution also helps remove any food particles stuck in the gums or teeth.
Rinse with Hydrogen Peroxide
If you have been neglecting to brush your teeth after eating, another cause of toothache could be periodontitis, a gum infection. Your gums start to bleed, and your teeth begin to loosen. To help with this severe gum infection rinsing your mouth with hydrogen peroxide mouthwashes help with the symptoms.
Always dilute your hydrogen peroxide using equal parts of water. Swish it around and never swallow it. However, never use this remedy with children as they consume it accidentally.
How to Get Rid of Toothache at Night With Peppermint Tea?
Another swishing method is using peppermint tea, or you can suck on the teabag. It provides temporary relief as peppermint contains antibacterial and antioxidants.
Clove Oil
Another effective remedy is rubbing clove oil on your gums. The eugenol in the oil reduces the pain, and it works well after extracting a tooth. In addition, eugenol works as an analgesic, meaning it numbs your gums similar to the medicated ointment. Or, if you do not mind the taste of an actual clove, you can chew or suck on it. Still, this remedy is not suitable for kids with toothache at night.
So When Should You See a Dentist
If you ask, “How to get rid of toothache at night?” it is time to see the dentist, significantly if the above home remedies do not help. If your toothache leads to an infection, it may need an antibiotic to help clear your infection.
If you have a cracked or decaying tooth resulting in pain, it is time to see your dentist. We know that many people are scared to visit a dentist, but it is better than staying awake all night with a toothache, right!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The reason why toothache worsens at night is how you sleep. When you lay down, there is more blood rushing to your head. Therefore, it adds pressure on sensitive areas such as your mouth, making you feel the throbbing sensation.
Some people can feel continuous pain for up to seven days. However, when treated promptly, it can reduce the pain much faster.
You can use Motrin IB, Advil, Aleve, or generic over-the-counter painkillers with ibuprofen or naproxen to help relieve tooth pain.
