Why does toothache hurt more when lying down

It can often be a scary and painful experience, but if you know what to do, they don't have How to Get Rid of a Nagging Toothache at Night At the end of a long day, we all like to be able to snuggle into bed and drift into a peaceful and refreshing sleep.

Toothache Home Remedies If you find that you are awake all night with a persistent toothache, you may require an at-home remedy to help you make it until the morning. Try sleeping with your head elevated on a thick pillow or several pillows. Elevation can help prevent pressure caused by blood flow into the head and mouth.

Elevating your head can therefore help to alleviate some of the pain, improve circulation and reduce swelling. Following a comprehensive oral health care routine can help prevent additional food or debris in the mouth from contributing to pain. Before going to sleep, make sure you brush your teeth for a full two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste and then floss.

This will help remove any trapped food particles that may be contributing to pain. Another trick for reducing tooth pain is to soak a cotton ball in clove oil and then place it over the painful tooth. This is an effective, all-natural pain relief strategy for short term management of discomfort. When gums are infected or causing pain, try rinsing your mouth with a hot saltwater solution.

This can help rinse the mouth of debris and clean any wounds or sites of infection. Ann Arbor Patient Form. Waterford Patient Form. No problem!

Free exam and x-rays " for new patients ". Reason 1: More Blood Flow The main reason why toothaches are more painful at night is our sleeping position. Reason 2: Our Brain Has Fewer Distractions At night, we are more aware of the sensations in our bodies because there are fewer distractions. Reason 4: Unconscious Grinding Some people unknowingly grind their teeth at night. Fortunately, there are some ways to give you temporary relief so you can manage the pain and go back to sleep: Avoid eating cold, acidic, or sugary food before going to bed.

Need help? We're available at. A toothache is a painful annoyance, especially at night. Getting a toothache at night can make falling asleep or staying asleep very difficult. However, there are a number of remedies that may help people find relief and get to sleep, including taking pain relievers or applying a cold compress or even cloves to the tooth.

Treating a toothache at night may be more difficult, as there is not much to distract a person from the pain. Taking over-the-counter OTC pain medications such as acetaminophen Tylenol or ibuprofen Advil is a quick, simple way for many people to effectively reduce mild-to-moderate toothaches.

If the toothache is severe, it is best to see a dentist and speak to them about stronger pain relievers. Applying a bag of ice wrapped in a towel to the affected side of the face or jaw helps constrict the blood vessels in the area, which can reduce pain to allow a person to fall asleep. Applying a cold compress to the area for 15—20 minutes every few hours in the evening may also help prevent pain when going to bed.

Pooling blood in the head may cause additional pain and inflammation. For some people, elevating the head with an extra pillow or two may relieve the pain enough for them to fall asleep. Some medicated ointments may also help reduce toothache pain. OTC numbing gels and ointments that contain ingredients such as benzocaine may numb the area. Salt water is a natural antibacterial agent , so it may reduce inflammation.

This, in turn, helps protect damaged teeth from infection. Rinsing with salt water may also help remove any food particles or debris stuck in the teeth or gums. Periodontitis is a serious gum infection that generally occurs as a result of poor oral hygiene.

It can cause issues such as soreness, bleeding gums, and teeth that come loose in their sockets. The author of a study found that rinsing with hydrogen peroxide mouthwash helped reduce plaque and symptoms of periodontitis.

People should always dilute food-grade hydrogen peroxide with equal parts water. Swish the solution in the mouth, but do not swallow it. We have two convenient Las Vegas locations to serve you and your family. Se Habla Espanol. All Rights Reserved. Skip to content. New Patients. Bruxism or Tooth Grinding Bruxism is a common condition that can make your teeth hurt at night when you subconsciously clench your jaw and grind your teeth.

Cavity or Tooth Fracture When you have the start of a cavity or a small fracture in a tooth, you may not notice it at all during your day-to-day activities. Use an ice pack to dull the pain if you have swelling of the gums or face.