Have you ever experienced extreme tooth pain that kept you awake at night? If so, you are not alone. Many people suffer from toothache at night, which can be caused by various dental problems such as cavities, infections, or injuries.
Toothache at night can interfere with your sleep quality and affect your overall health and well-being. In this article, we will explain why toothache happens at night, how to relieve the pain, and how to prevent it from recurring.
A toothache can be quite painful and uncomfortable. While home remedies can provide temporary relief.
Here are Quick 10 Tips for Instant Tooth Pain Relief If You Can’t Sleep Because of Extreme Tooth Pain.
- Rinse with warm saltwater: Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water and rinse your mouth for 30 seconds. This can help reduce inflammation and ease pain. Repeat it for 10 times. You will feel instant relief.
- Garlic: Crush a garlic clove to form a paste and apply it to the affected tooth. Garlic has antibacterial properties and may help reduce pain.
- Clove oil: Soak a cotton ball in clove oil and apply it to the affected tooth for temporary pain relief. Clove oil contains eugenol, which has natural numbing properties.
- Peppermint tea bags: Use a cooled, damp peppermint tea bag and place it against the affected area. Peppermint has mild numbing and soothing properties.
- Cold compress: Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek for 15 minutes at a time to reduce pain and swelling.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can provide temporary relief from toothache pain. Follow the recommended dosage instructions.
- Hydrogen peroxide rinse: Mix equal parts of 3% hydrogen peroxide and water, swish it in your mouth for 30 seconds, and then spit it out. This can help reduce pain and kill bacteria.
- Avoid certain foods and drinks: Stay away from very hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks, as they can worsen tooth sensitivity and pain.
- Maintain good oral hygiene: Brush and floss gently to remove debris and plaque. Be careful not to aggravate the painful area.
- Elevate your head: When sleeping, try to keep your head elevated with an extra pillow. This can help reduce blood flow to the affected area and alleviate pain.
Remember, these home remedies can provide temporary relief, but they do not address the underlying cause of your toothache. It’s crucial to see a dentist for a proper diagnosis and treatment to resolve the issue. Dental problems can worsen if left untreated, so don’t delay in seeking professional care.
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How to Deal with Extreme Tooth Pain at Night
Extreme tooth pain at night can be a sign of a serious dental problem that requires immediate attention. However, there are some ways to ease the pain and get some rest until you can see a dentist. Here is a possible paragraph for the above topic:
Tooth pain at night can be caused by various factors, such as poor oral health, bacterial infection, cavities, food impaction, or teeth grinding. Lying down can increase blood flow to the head and make the pain more intense. The pain can also be more noticeable when there are fewer distractions. Some remedies that may help with tooth pain at night are pain relievers, cold compresses, or cloves. However, these are only for temporary relief and a dentist should be consulted as soon as possible.
Causes of Toothache at Night
Toothache is one of the most common and unpleasant dental complaints. It can affect anyone at any age, and it can be especially bothersome at night when you are trying to sleep. Toothache at night can have many different causes, such as:
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Tooth decay
This is the most common cause of toothache. Tooth decay occurs when bacteria in your mouth break down the enamel and dentin layers of your teeth, creating holes or cavities. These cavities can expose the nerves and pulp of your teeth, making them sensitive to hot, cold, or sweet stimuli.
Symptoms of tooth decay
- Toothache that may be constant or intermittent
- Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks
- Visible holes or dark spots on your teeth
- Bad breath or unpleasant taste in your mouth
Prevention and treatment of tooth decay
- Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
- Floss daily to remove plaque and food particles between your teeth
- Rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash after eating or drinking
- Avoid sugary and acidic foods and drinks that can erode your enamel
- Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleaning
- Get dental fillings or crowns to repair the damaged teeth
Gum infection
This is also known as gingivitis or periodontitis. Gum infection occurs when bacteria in your mouth infect the gums and cause inflammation, bleeding, and swelling. This can damage the tissues and bones that support your teeth, creating pockets or gaps between your teeth and gums. These pockets can trap food particles and bacteria, leading to more infection and pain.
Symptoms of gum infection
- Red, swollen, or tender gums that bleed easily
- Receding gums that make your teeth look longer
- Loose or shifting teeth that affect your bite
- Persistent bad breath or bad taste in your mouth
- Pus or abscesses around your gums or teeth
Prevention and treatment of gum infection
- Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
- Floss daily to remove plaque and food particles between your teeth and gums
- Rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash after eating or drinking
- Quit smoking or chewing tobacco that can worsen your gum condition
- Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleaning
- Get scaling and root planing to remove the plaque and tartar from your teeth and gums
- Get antibiotics or surgery to treat the advanced stages of gum infection
Cracked tooth
This can happen due to trauma, injury, or biting on hard objects. A cracked tooth can cause sharp pain when you chew or bite, as well as sensitivity to temperature changes. A cracked tooth can also allow bacteria to enter the pulp of your tooth, causing infection and inflammation.
Symptoms of cracked tooth
- Pain when you bite down or release pressure from your tooth
- Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks
- Swelling around the affected tooth or gum area
- Difficulty in locating the source of the pain
Prevention and treatment of cracked tooth
- Avoid biting on hard objects such as ice, nuts, or pens
- Wear a mouth guard when playing sports or grinding your teeth at night
- Visit your dentist as soon as possible if you suspect a cracked tooth
- Get dental bonding, veneers, crowns, or root canal to repair the cracked tooth
Dental abscess
This is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. A dental abscess is a pus-filled pocket that forms around the root of your tooth due to a bacterial infection. A dental abscess can cause severe pain, swelling, fever, and bad breath. If left untreated, a dental abscess can spread to other parts of your body and cause life-threatening complications.
Symptoms of dental abscess
- Throbbing pain that radiates to your jaw, ear, or neck
- Swelling on your face or cheek that may affect your eye or throat
- Fever, chills, nausea, or vomiting that indicate a systemic infection
- Difficulty in opening your mouth, swallowing, or breathing
Prevention and treatment of dental abscess
- Seek emergency dental care if you have any signs of a dental abscess
- Do not try to drain the abscess yourself as it may worsen the infection
- Take painkillers and antibiotics as prescribed by your dentist
- Get drainage, root canal, or extraction to remove the infected tooth
These dental problems can worsen at night due to factors such as:
Increased blood pressure
When you lie down to sleep, your blood pressure tends to rise slightly. This can increase the blood flow to your head and mouth, making your toothache more noticeable and intense.
- To lower your blood pressure, you can try relaxing techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or listening to soothing music before bed
- You can also elevate your head with pillows or use a wedge-shaped cushion to reduce the blood flow to your head
- You can avoid caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, and salty foods that can raise your blood pressure
Reduced saliva production
Saliva is a natural defense mechanism that helps wash away food particles and bacteria from your mouth. It also contains enzymes and minerals that help protect your teeth from decay and erosion. At night, your saliva production decreases, leaving your mouth dry and vulnerable to bacterial growth and acid attack.
- To stimulate saliva production, you can drink plenty of water throughout the day and before bed
- You can also chew sugar-free gum or suck on sugar-free candies or lozenges that contain xylitol, a natural sweetener that helps prevent cavities
- You can use a humidifier or a vaporizer to add moisture to the air in your bedroom
- You can avoid mouthwashes that contain alcohol or other drying agents
Lying down position
When you lie down to sleep, gravity can cause fluid to accumulate in your head and face, creating pressure on your sinuses and nerves. This can aggravate your toothache and make it harder to ignore.
- To relieve the pressure, you can apply a warm compress or a heating pad to your face or jaw for 15 to 20 minutes before bed
- You can also take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen or naproxen to reduce the swelling and pain
- You can consult your doctor if you have chronic sinus problems or allergies that may contribute to your toothache
Grinding or clenching teeth
This is also known as bruxism. Grinding or clenching teeth is a common habit that many people do unconsciously when they are stressed, anxious, or angry. Grinding or clenching teeth can wear down your enamel and dentin layers, exposing the nerves and pulp of your teeth. It can also cause cracks, chips, or fractures in your teeth, as well as muscle tension and jaw pain.
- To prevent grinding or clenching teeth, you can wear a custom-made night guard that fits over your teeth and protects them from damage
- You can also practice relaxation techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation, yoga, or meditation to reduce stress and tension
- You can massage your jaw muscles with your fingers or a warm cloth to ease the pain and stiffness
- You can avoid chewing gum, ice, or hard foods that can strain your jaw muscles
Home Remedies for Toothache at Night
If you have a mild or moderate toothache at night, you may be able to relieve the pain with some simple and effective home remedies. However, these remedies are only temporary solutions and do not address the underlying cause of your toothache. Therefore, you should always consult a dentist as soon as possible to get proper diagnosis and treatment.
Rinsing with salt water or hydrogen peroxide
Salt water and hydrogen peroxide are natural antiseptics that can help kill bacteria and reduce inflammation in your mouth.
- To use this remedy, mix half a teaspoon of salt or a few drops of hydrogen peroxide with a glass of warm water
- Swish the solution around your mouth for a few minutes, then spit it out
- Repeat this several times a day until the pain subsides
Applying a cold compress or ice pack
Cold compresses or ice packs can help numb the pain and reduce swelling in your face.
- To use this remedy, wrap some ice cubes or a frozen bag of peas in a towel or cloth
- Apply it to the affected area for 15 minutes at a time, then take a break for another 15 minutes
- Repeat this as needed until the pain eases
Using clove oil, garlic, or onion
Clove oil, garlic, and onion are natural remedies that have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. They can also help numb the pain and stimulate blood circulation in your mouth.
- To use this remedy, dab some clove oil on a cotton ball or a piece of gauze and place it on the painful tooth
- Alternatively, you can chew a clove, a garlic clove, or a slice of onion for a few minutes, then spit it out
- Repeat this as needed until the pain lessens
Taking over-the-counter painkillers such as NSAIDs
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin can help reduce pain and inflammation in your mouth. However, you should always follow the dosage instructions on the label and avoid taking them for more than a few days. Also, you should not take NSAIDs if you are allergic to them, have a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding disorders, or are pregnant or breastfeeding. If you are unsure whether you can take NSAIDs safely, consult your doctor or pharmacist before using them.
- To use this remedy, take the recommended dose of NSAIDs with a glass of water
- Do not exceed the maximum daily dose or take them for longer than directed
- Stop taking them if you experience any side effects such as stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, bleeding, or allergic reactions
- Seek medical attention if your symptoms worsen or do not improve within a few days
Extreme Tooth Pain Can’t Sleep? Here are 10 Other Tips and Technics for Faster Tooth Pain Relief in Details.
Sometimes, home remedies may not be enough to relieve your extreme tooth pain at night. In that case, you may need some additional tips to help you get some rest and cope with the pain until you can see a dentist. Here are 10 tips for instant tooth pain relief if you can’t sleep for extreme tooth pain:
Elevate your head
Lying down can increase the blood pressure and fluid accumulation in your head and face, making your toothache worse. To prevent this, try elevating your head with a few pillows or a wedge-shaped cushion. This can help reduce the pressure and pain in your mouth.
- Use two or more pillows or a wedge-shaped cushion to prop up your head
- Adjust the height and angle of your pillows or cushion to find the most comfortable position
- Avoid sleeping on your stomach or side, as this can put more pressure on your face and jaw
Avoid hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks
These stimuli can trigger or worsen your toothache by irritating the nerves and pulp of your teeth. Therefore, you should avoid consuming anything that is too hot, cold, or sweet before going to bed or during the night. Instead, opt for lukewarm or room temperature foods and drinks that are bland and soft.
- Choose foods and drinks that are easy to chew and swallow, such as soups, smoothies, yogurt, oatmeal, mashed potatoes, etc.
- Avoid foods and drinks that are acidic, spicy, crunchy, sticky, or hard, such as citrus fruits, coffee, tea, soda, alcohol, nuts, candies, etc.
- Rinse your mouth with water after eating or drinking anything to remove any residue that may irritate your teeth
Drink plenty of water
Water is essential for keeping your body hydrated and healthy. It can also help flush out bacteria and toxins from your mouth and prevent dryness and irritation. Therefore, you should drink plenty of water throughout the day and especially before going to bed.
- Drink at least eight glasses of water a day to stay hydrated and maintain a healthy saliva flow
- Drink water before brushing your teeth at night to moisten your mouth and loosen any food particles
- Keep a glass of water by your bedside in case you wake up with a dry mouth or a sore throat
- Avoid drinking too much water right before sleeping, as this can make you wake up frequently to use the bathroom
Brush and floss gently
Brushing and flossing are important for maintaining good oral hygiene and preventing dental problems. However, if you have a toothache at night, you should be careful not to brush or floss too hard or too often, as this can damage your teeth and gums further. Instead, brush and floss gently using a soft-bristled toothbrush and dental floss. Also, use fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash to help strengthen your enamel and fight bacteria.
- Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time using gentle circular motions
- Floss once a day using gentle up-and-down motions to remove plaque and food particles between your teeth
- Use fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash to help remineralize your enamel and prevent cavities
- Replace your toothbrush every three months or sooner if the bristles are worn out
Use a night guard or a mouth guard
If you grind or clench your teeth at night, you should consider using a night guard or a mouth guard to protect your teeth from further damage. A night guard or a mouth guard is a custom-made device that fits over your teeth and prevents them from touching each other. This can help reduce the friction, pressure, and pain in your mouth. You can get a night guard or a mouth guard from your dentist or buy one from a pharmacy or online.
- Wear a night guard or a mouth guard every night before going to sleep
- Clean your night guard or mouth guard regularly with water and soap or denture cleaner
- Store your night guard or mouth guard in a dry and ventilated case when not in use
- Visit your dentist regularly to check the fit and condition of your night guard or mouth guard
Try some relaxation techniques
Stress, anxiety, anger, or other negative emotions can contribute to toothache at night by causing you to grind or clench your teeth more often. To reduce stress and relax your mind and body, you can try some relaxation techniques such as:
- Deep breathing: Breathe in slowly and deeply through your nose, then exhale slowly and completely through your mouth. Repeat this for a few minutes until you feel calm and relaxed.
- Meditation: Sit or lie down comfortably and focus on your breathing, a word, a sound, or an image. Let go of any thoughts or distractions that may arise and bring your attention back to your focus. Do this for 10 to 20 minutes or as long as you like.
- Yoga: Perform some gentle yoga poses that can help stretch and relax your muscles and joints. You can follow a video or an app that guides you through a yoga routine. You can also do some simple poses such as child’s pose, cat-cow pose, or corpse pose.
- Massage: Use your fingers or a warm cloth to massage your jaw muscles, temples, neck, and shoulders. This can help ease the pain and tension in your mouth and head. You can also use some essential oils or lotion to enhance the massage effect.
- Aromatherapy: Use some scented candles, oils, or diffusers that have soothing aromas such as lavender, chamomile, or rose. These aromas can help relax your mood and promote sleep. You can also add some drops of oil to your bath water or pillowcase for a more relaxing experience.
- Music therapy: Listen to some music that makes you feel happy, calm, or peaceful. You can choose any genre or style of music that suits your preference. You can also sing along or hum to the music if you like.
- Reading a book: Read a book that interests you or makes you laugh. Reading can help distract you from the pain and stimulate your imagination. You can also read a book that teaches you some coping skills or positive affirmations for dealing with stress and pain.
Distract yourself with something else
Sometimes, focusing too much on your toothache can make it seem worse than it actually is. To divert your attention from the pain, you can distract yourself with something else that interests you or makes you happy. For example, you can:
- Watch a movie or a show on Netflix: Choose a movie or a show that is entertaining, funny, or inspiring. Watching something on Netflix can help you forget about the pain and enjoy the story and the characters. You can also watch something that is related to dentistry or teeth, such as The Dentist, Finding Nemo, or The Tooth Fairy.
- Play a game on your phone or computer: Choose a game that is fun, challenging, or relaxing. Playing a game on your phone or computer can help you pass the time and engage your mind and senses. You can also play a game that is related to dentistry or teeth, such as Dentist Mania, Tooth Fairy Princess, or Dental Surgery Simulator.
- Chat with a friend online: Choose a friend who is supportive, understanding, or humorous. Chatting with a friend online can help you vent your feelings, get some advice, or share some jokes. You can also chat with a friend who is going through the same problem as you or who has overcome it successfully.
- Do some light exercise such as stretching or walking: Choose an exercise that is low-impact, easy, or enjoyable. Doing some light exercise such as stretching or walking can help improve your blood circulation, release endorphins, and reduce stress. You can also do some exercise that is related to dentistry or teeth, such as smiling, chewing gum, or biting on a pencil.
Take a warm bath or shower
Taking a warm bath or shower can help soothe your muscles and joints and improve your blood circulation. This can also help relieve some of the pain and discomfort in your mouth. However,
- Avoid taking a hot bath or shower, as this can raise your body temperature and make you sweat more, which can dehydrate you and worsen your toothache.
To take a warm bath or shower:
- Fill your bathtub with warm water or adjust the temperature of your shower to a comfortable level
- Add some salt, baking soda, vinegar, or essential oils to your bath water to enhance the healing effect
- Soak in the bath for 15 to 20 minutes or shower for 10 to 15 minutes
- Dry yourself with a soft towel and apply some moisturizer to your skin
- Put on some clean and comfortable clothes
Apply some essential oils
Some essential oils such as peppermint, lavender, eucalyptus, or tea tree oil can help reduce pain and inflammation in your mouth. They can also help relax your mood and promote sleep. To use this remedy:
- Dilute a few drops of your chosen oil with a carrier oil such as coconut, olive, or almond oil
- Apply it to the affected area with a cotton ball or a finger
- Alternatively, you can add some oil to your bath water or a diffuser and inhale the aroma
See a dentist as soon as possible
The most important tip for dealing with extreme tooth pain at night is to see a dentist as soon as possible. A dentist can diagnose the cause of your toothache and provide the appropriate treatment to fix it. Delaying or avoiding dental care can lead to more serious problems and complications that can affect your oral and overall health. Therefore, you should not ignore your toothache and seek professional help as soon as you can.
- Call your dentist and make an appointment as soon as possible
- Explain your symptoms and the severity of your pain
- Ask for some advice on how to manage your pain until you see the dentist
- Follow the instructions and recommendations given by your dentist
- Take any prescribed medications or antibiotics as directed by your dentist
- Follow up with your dentist until your toothache is completely resolved
How to Prevent Unbearable Toothache at Night
The best way to prevent toothache at night is to take good care of your teeth and gums and avoid dental problems in the first place. Here are some tips on how to prevent toothache at night and maintain good oral hygiene:
Brush and floss regularly
You should brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once a day to remove plaque, food particles, and bacteria from your mouth. This can help prevent tooth decay, gum infection, and other dental problems that can cause toothache at night.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle circular motions to clean your teeth and gums
- Use dental floss or an interdental brush to clean between your teeth and under your gum line
- Replace your toothbrush every three months or sooner if the bristles are worn out
- Brush your tongue as well to remove bacteria and freshen your breath
Use fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash
Fluoride is a mineral that helps strengthen your enamel and protect your teeth from decay and erosion. You should use fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash to help prevent cavities and tooth sensitivity. However, you should not use too much fluoride or swallow it, as this can cause fluorosis or other side effects.
- Use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth twice a day
- Use a fluoride mouthwash once or twice a day after brushing your teeth
- Do not rinse your mouth with water after using fluoride products, as this can wash away the fluoride
- Do not eat or drink anything for at least 30 minutes after using fluoride products, as this can reduce their effectiveness
Avoid sugary and acidic foods and drinks
Sugary and acidic foods and drinks such as candies, chocolates, sodas, juices, or wine can damage your enamel and dentin layers and make your teeth more prone to decay and pain. You should limit your intake of these foods and drinks and rinse your mouth with water after consuming them. You should also avoid eating or drinking anything that is too hot, cold, or sweet before going to bed or during the night, as this can trigger or worsen your toothache.
- Choose foods and drinks that are low in sugar and acid, such as water, milk, cheese, nuts, fruits, vegetables, etc.
- Eat a balanced diet that provides enough calcium, phosphorus, vitamin D, and other nutrients for your teeth and bones
- Drink water throughout the day to keep your mouth hydrated and wash away food particles and bacteria
- Chew sugar-free gum or suck on sugar-free candies or lozenges that contain xylitol, a natural sweetener that helps prevent cavities
Visit a dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings
You should visit a dentist at least once every six months for regular check-ups and cleanings. A dentist can examine your teeth and gums for any signs of problems or diseases and provide the necessary treatment or prevention measures. A dentist can also perform professional cleaning to remove tartar, stains, and bacteria from your teeth and gums that you cannot remove with brushing and flossing alone.
- Make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible if you have any symptoms of toothache, such as pain, sensitivity, swelling, fever, or bad breath
- Follow the instructions and recommendations given by your dentist regarding your oral care routine, medications, or procedures
- Ask your dentist any questions or concerns you may have about your oral health or treatment options
- Pay attention to any changes in your teeth or gums and report them to your dentist promptly
Quit smoking
Smoking is one of the worst habits for your oral and overall health. Smoking can stain your teeth, damage your gums, increase your risk of oral cancer, and impair your immune system. Smoking can also make your toothache worse by reducing the blood flow to your mouth and delaying the healing process. Therefore, you should quit smoking as soon as possible to improve your oral health and prevent toothache at night.
- Seek professional help or use nicotine replacement products such as patches, gums, lozenges, or inhalers to help you quit smoking
- Join a support group or find a friend who is also trying to quit smoking
- Avoid triggers or situations that make you want to smoke, such as stress, boredom, alcohol, or coffee
- Reward yourself for reaching milestones or goals in your quitting journey
If you have ever experienced toothache at night, you know how frustrating and painful it can be. Toothache at night can keep you awake and ruin your sleep. It can also affect your mood, productivity, and overall well-being the next day. Toothache at night can have various causes, such as cavities, infections, cracks, or abscesses in your teeth. These dental problems can expose or damage the nerve of your tooth, which can cause intense pain that may worsen at night.
You may wonder if there is a quick and easy way to kill tooth pain nerve in 3 seconds permanently and get some relief. However, this may not be as simple or safe as it sounds. To learn more about the facts and myths of killing tooth pain nerve in 3 seconds permanently, you can read this article here.