Whether you’re trying to get to sleep, or if you’re simply attempting to ignore the pain, knowing how to sleep with toothache can be a real challenge. If you’re constantly on the go, it’s likely that you aren’t aware of your pain during the day. Using numbing gels, sleeping on memory foam, and avoiding acidic or cold beverages can make a difference.
Avoiding sleeping on your back
Sleeping on your back while you have a toothache can make the pain worse. Adding a cold compress to the painful area will reduce swelling and numb the pain. Sleeping with your head elevated may also reduce blood flow to the head, which can help you sleep. Alternatively, you can take over-the-counter pain medication to ease the discomfort. These tips should only be used for short-term relief of toothache pain.
Toothaches can come in many forms and shapes. They can be dull or sharp, throbbing all day, and radiate through the face. They are usually caused by a hypersensitive nerve inside the root of the tooth, infection in the surrounding gums, or pressure from adjacent tissues. If you experience tooth pain when lying down, it’s likely that pressure is also affecting another area of your mouth.
Avoiding acidic or cold drinks
One of the most obvious causes of toothache is an acidic diet. Acidic foods, particularly acidic sauces, can wear away the protective enamel on teeth, causing sensitivity and tooth decay. While you shouldn’t completely avoid acidic foods or drinks, you should limit the amount of acidic foods you consume to avoid further damaging your teeth. Cold and acidic drinks can also weaken the enamel on teeth, resulting in tooth sensitivity.
One effective way to reduce swelling is to elevate the head while you sleep. Sleeping with your head elevated will limit excess blood flow to the inflamed tooth and help make it feel less painful. You can use a wedge-shaped pillow or stack standard pillows to elevate your head. You can also place a bag of frozen peas in a plastic Ziploc bag, as this can reduce swelling and relieve pain. If ice is not an option, you can also use corn syrup, which is soft and won’t cause you to snore while you sleep.
Avoiding sleeping on a memory foam mattress
If you suffer from a constant toothache, you should avoid sleeping on a memory foam mattress when you are suffering from it. You may not feel the pain until bedtime, so it is better to visit the dentist before bed than to sleep on the mattress until you can get a proper treatment. Luckily, there are some great alternatives to memory foam mattresses that can relieve the pain and promote restful sleep.
Another option is a coilless mattress, which has no spring coils. These mattresses can minimize sinkage by contouring to the shape of your body. They are great for side sleepers because they’re less springy than polyfoam mattresses. While they don’t promote good air circulation, they can retain body heat. The coilless mattress is a good choice if you’re suffering from back pain or are prone to back pain. If you’re a side sleeper, a memory foam mattress is not the right choice.
If you’re a side sleeper, it’s best not to sleep on a memory foam mattress when you have a toothache. The material has a tendency to trap body heat and doesn’t breathe well, which may be uncomfortable. A good cooling mattress pad is made of breathable fabric and can wick away moisture. Another good option is to invest in new, breathable sheets. The sheets will help keep your bed cooler and more comfortable, acting as a barrier between you and the mattress. You can also alter the weave and material of your sheets to reduce the temperature of your mattress. Moreover, your new sheets will keep the mattress cooler than before.
Using numbing gels
Using numbing gels to get to sleep with a toothache can help you to avoid the pain during the night. Taking an over-the-counter pain reliever before bed can ease some of the discomfort associated with a toothache and may even reduce the pain, inflammation, and swelling. However, it is essential to follow dosage instructions for proper relief. This is especially true if you have young children, as numbing gels containing benzocaine may be dangerous for them.
A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug like aspirin, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen can help alleviate the pain caused by a toothache. Numbing dental gels usually contain benzocaine and are available over-the-counter or online. However, these medications should be used carefully, as they can be dangerous if you have an allergy to benzocaine. Alternatively, you may want to use a medicated ointment, available at your local drugstore, to numb the area and get some sleep.
Toothaches are unpleasant experiences, and home remedies can be an effective way to manage pain. A toothache may come on suddenly, causing considerable pain until you can get to the dentist. Even worse, the dentist’s office won’t be open until the next morning. Therefore, you need to act quickly to relieve the pain and get some sleep. You can even take numbing gels before you go to bed.
Avoiding sugary drinks
The most obvious way to avoid a nighttime sugary drink is to avoid soda. Though these beverages are marketed as “healthy,” they can actually do more harm to your teeth. Soda contains acid and sugar, and a single 20-ounce bottle can have the recommended daily sugar intake. Soda erodes the enamel protecting your teeth, leading to cavities. Plus, soda consumption is associated with diabetes and other diseases.
Toothaches are particularly bothersome at night, when a person’s nerves are most active. They can keep people up all night, preventing them from getting a good night’s sleep. Toothache pain often starts after dinner, when people tend to eat acidic or starchy foods, which can make the situation even worse. While these foods may help you feel more comfortable, you should also limit your intake of sugary and acidic foods and drinks, as they will only make the pain worse.
Toothache pain is not a sign of bad oral hygiene. A regular dental checkup will help you take care of your oral health. By avoiding sugary drinks, you can ensure a pain-free nighttime. And, if you’re still awake at 2am, you’ll have more energy to fight off tooth decay. The acid from the drinks will damage your teeth, so you need to take proper care of your teeth!
Avoiding hard foods
The easiest way to go to sleep with a toothache is to avoid foods with hard surfaces, such as hot or cold food. If you are having a toothache, you should also avoid food that contains acid, acidic, or starchy substances. The acidity can worsen the pain in the tooth, preventing you from getting a good night’s rest. Also, avoid alcohol because it decreases saliva production and can contribute to tooth pain.
Cold, hard, and acidic foods aggravate toothaches. Use an ice pack to reduce the pain. Cold temperatures help constrict blood vessels, which reduces inflammation and swelling. Apply ice to the affected area for 20 minutes. A good pillow with a soft foam material is also helpful. It should not be too hard, but should be soft enough to prevent the toothache from getting worse. However, if you do not want to put an ice pack on your tooth, try placing a pillow that is made of hybrid foam.
