How to Sleep Well With a Toothache at Night: 6 Effective Home Remedies for Toothache

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), more than 2 billion people worldwide suffer from oral health conditions, with toothache being a common reason for sleeplessness. In particular, nighttime toothache tends to be more severe due to increased blood flow to the head when lying down, causing a dull or throbbing pain that keeps you awake all night.

If you're looking for ways to sleep with a toothache, don't just try to endure the pain. This Tiptory article will guide you through safe at-home toothache remedies, how to adjust your sleeping position to reduce pain, and important tips to help you rest better before seeing a dentist. These practical solutions will not only help you fall asleep more easily but also prevent the pain from worsening during the night.

Part 1: Quick At-Home Remedies for Nighttime Toothache

Tip 1: See a Dentist for Root Cause Treatment

Don't just relieve the pain, find the cause of your toothache

• If you have a toothache, you should see a dentist as soon as possible to identify the exact cause. At-home toothache remedies only provide temporary relief of symptoms and cannot cure underlying oral diseases.

• During the examination, the dentist will perform a general oral check-up, assess the painful area, and may order X-rays if necessary. This helps detect deep-seated damage that is not visible to the naked eye.

• After identifying the cause, the dentist will develop an appropriate treatment plan and provide guidance on managing nighttime toothache, helping you sleep with a toothache more easily while awaiting treatment or recovery.

Common causes of toothache

• Tooth decay: Bacteria destroy enamel and dentin, causing sensitivity or prolonged aching pain.

• Dental abscess: An infection that forms a pocket of pus around the root of a tooth or in the gums, often causing severe pain and a risk of spreading if not treated.

• Cracked or fractured tooth: Small cracks can cause tooth pain when chewing or when exposed to hot or cold foods.

• Loose or lost filling: Exposes the sensitive dentin, causing pain when eating or drinking.

• Gingivitis or periodontal disease: Inflammation of the gums and surrounding tissues can cause pain, bleeding, and swollen gums.

• Braces-related issues: Shifting forces or damaged appliances can cause pain and discomfort during certain stages of treatment.

When to seek immediate care?

• Contact a dentist immediately if:

  • Toothache lasts more than 2 days without improvement.

  • You develop a fever, which could be a sign of infection.

  • Gums are red, swollen, or very painful, especially if the condition worsens.

  • There is pus or foul-smelling discharge from the tooth or gums.

  • Difficulty breathing or swallowing, which is a warning sign that the infection may have spread and requires emergency care.

  • Severe pain when biting or chewing, potentially related to an abscess, cracked tooth, or deep internal tooth damage.

Early examination and treatment not only help resolve pain but also reduce the risk of tooth loss, spreading infection, and complications affecting overall health. These recommendations align with guidelines from the American Dental Association (ADA) and many international dental organizations.

Tip 2: Use Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers Correctly

Prioritize anti-inflammatory pain relievers before bed

• If nighttime toothache makes it difficult to sleep, you can use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen as directed on the packaging or prescribed by a doctor or dentist.

• This group of medications helps reduce inflammation in the affected tooth area, thereby alleviating pain and making it easier to sleep with a toothache.

• Do not self-medicate with excessive doses or prolonged use without consulting a healthcare professional.

Cases requiring caution when using NSAIDs

• NSAIDs should not be used if:

  • You are pregnant, especially in the last trimester.

  • You have bleeding disorders or are at risk of bleeding.

• If you have stomach, kidney, cardiovascular, or liver conditions, or are taking other medications (such as anticoagulants, blood pressure medications...), consult your doctor or dentist before use to avoid drug interactions and adverse effects.

Severe pain may require combination therapy

• In cases of severe toothache, a doctor or dentist may recommend combining NSAIDs with paracetamol (acetaminophen). Some studies show that this combination can help control pain more effectively than using each medication individually.

• Only combine medications under the guidance of a healthcare professional to ensure safety and correct dosage.

Do not self-administer aspirin in certain cases

• Do not give aspirin to individuals under 18 years old due to the risk of Reye's syndrome – a rare but serious complication.

• Avoid using aspirin if you have bleeding from your teeth or gums, as it may increase the risk of bleeding.

Limit the use of topical benzocaine products

• Many dental associations no longer recommend the use of topical anesthetic products containing benzocaine for at-home toothache relief, due to the rare but serious risk of side effects such as methemoglobinemia.

• Absolutely do not use any benzocaine-containing products for children under 2 years old.

• If you wish to use topical pain relief, consult your doctor or pharmacist to choose a suitable and safer product.

Medication use only helps control symptoms temporarily. If toothache, nighttime toothache persists or recurs frequently, you still need to see a dentist to identify the cause and treat it at the root, to avoid complications such as infection or dental abscess.

Tip 3: Rinse with Warm Salt Water Before Bed

Soothes pain and helps clean the oral cavity

• If nighttime toothache is bothering you, rinse with warm salt water before going to bed. This is a simple at-home toothache remedy that helps clean the oral cavity, reduce bacteria, and soothe irritated gum tissue.

• You can rinse with salt water 2–3 times a day, and it's recommended to do it once right before bed to help you sleep more comfortably with a toothache.

How to prepare salt water rinse

1. Dissolve 1 teaspoon (approx. 6g) of salt in 100ml of warm water.

2. Stir well until the salt is completely dissolved.

3. Swish gently in your mouth for about 30–60 seconds, focusing the solution on the painful tooth area.

4. Spit out the salt water after rinsing; do not swallow.

Cold water can provide temporary pain relief

• For some people, rinsing with cold water or holding cold water in the mouth for a short period can also help reduce pain and inflammation due to its vasoconstrictive effect.

• However, if your teeth are sensitive or experience increased pain with cold temperatures, this method may worsen the pain. In such cases, warm salt water is often a more suitable option.

Important notes for application

• Only use lukewarm water; avoid excessively hot water as it can increase pain or irritate gum tissue.

• Salt water only helps clean and temporarily relieve symptoms; it cannot treat the root cause of toothache such as tooth decay, pulpitis, or dental abscess.

• If the pain persists, swelling occurs, you develop a fever, or pus appears, see a dentist as soon as possible for timely diagnosis and treatment.

Tip 4: Apply a Cold Compress to Your Jaw Before Bed

Reduces swelling and soothes tooth pain

• If toothache is accompanied by swollen gums or jaw swelling, a cold compress can help constrict blood vessels, reduce inflammation, and limit fluid accumulation in the affected area.

• This is a simple at-home toothache remedy, especially helpful when nighttime toothache makes you uncomfortable and unable to sleep with a toothache.

How to apply a cold compress correctly

1. Prepare a cold pack or a bag of frozen vegetables.

2. Wrap the cold pack in a soft, clean towel to avoid direct contact with the skin.

3. Place the compress on the outside of your cheek or jaw, directly over the painful or swollen tooth.

4. Apply for approximately 10–15 minutes each time.

5. You can repeat every 45–60 minutes for several hours before bed if pain or swelling persists.

Do not apply ice directly to skin or teeth

• Always place a thin towel between the compress and your skin to reduce the risk of frostbite or tissue damage.

• Do not apply ice cubes directly to gums or teeth as extremely low temperatures can increase sensitivity in sensitive teeth.

Avoid hot compresses when swollen or inflamed

• Do not use a hot compress or warm towel on a jaw that is swollen due to toothache, as heat can dilate blood vessels, making inflammation and swelling worse.

• Only consider warm compresses if specifically directed by a doctor or dentist in appropriate cases.

Important notes

• Cold compresses only provide temporary pain and swelling relief; they do not treat the underlying cause of toothache such as tooth decay, pulpitis, dental abscess, or gingivitis.

• If the pain worsens, swelling spreads, you develop a fever, or have difficulty opening your mouth, see a dentist as soon as possible for examination and timely treatment.

Tip 5: Apply a Cold Compress to Your Jaw Before Bed

Reduces swelling and soothes tooth pain

• If toothache is accompanied by swollen gums or jaw swelling, a cold compress can help constrict blood vessels, reduce inflammation, and limit fluid accumulation in the affected area.

• This is a simple at-home toothache remedy, especially helpful when nighttime toothache makes you uncomfortable and unable to sleep with a toothache.

How to apply a cold compress correctly

1. Prepare a cold pack or a bag of frozen vegetables.

2. Wrap the cold pack in a soft, clean towel to avoid direct contact with the skin.

3. Place the compress on the outside of your cheek or jaw, directly over the painful or swollen tooth.

4. Apply for approximately 10–15 minutes each time.

5. You can repeat every 45–60 minutes for several hours before bed if pain or swelling persists.

Do not apply ice directly to skin or teeth

• Always place a thin towel between the compress and your skin to reduce the risk of frostbite or tissue damage.

• Do not apply ice cubes directly to gums or teeth as extremely low temperatures can increase sensitivity in sensitive teeth.

Avoid hot compresses when swollen or inflamed

• Do not use a hot compress or warm towel on a jaw that is swollen due to toothache, as heat can dilate blood vessels, making inflammation and swelling worse.

• Only consider warm compresses if specifically directed by a doctor or dentist in appropriate cases.

Important notes

• Cold compresses only provide temporary pain and swelling relief; they do not treat the underlying cause of toothache such as tooth decay, pulpitis, dental abscess, or gingivitis.

• If the pain worsens, swelling spreads, you develop a fever, or have difficulty opening your mouth, see a dentist as soon as possible for examination and timely treatment.

Tip 6: Elevate Your Head While Sleeping to Reduce Toothache

Elevating your head helps reduce pressure on the painful tooth area

• When sleeping with a toothache, elevate your head higher than usual using 1–2 pillows. This position helps limit blood and fluid pooling in the head area, thereby reducing pressure on the tissues around the tooth, contributing to reduced swelling and pain sensation.

• This is a simple yet effective tip, especially when nighttime toothache tends to worsen after lying down.

How to position pillows correctly for better sleep

1. Use 1–2 pillows that are thick enough to support both your head and shoulders.

2. Keep your neck and back aligned, avoiding excessive neck flexion, which can cause neck and shoulder strain.

3. Maintain an elevated head position throughout sleep to help reduce swelling and pain.

If possible, sleep in a reclined position

• If the pain is too severe, you can sleep in a semi-sitting position, such as in a recliner chair or by placing several pillows behind your back to create an incline of about 30–45 degrees.

• This position helps reduce blood pooling in the head and jaw area, thereby supporting at-home toothache relief and helping you fall asleep more easily.

Important notes for more effective pain relief

• Avoid lying completely flat, as this position can increase blood pressure in the inflamed tooth area, making nighttime toothache more pronounced.

• Elevating your head is only a temporary symptomatic relief measure. If toothache persists, recurs frequently, or is accompanied by facial swelling, fever, or pus discharge, you should see a dentist for diagnosis and treatment of the cause as soon as possible.

Part 2: How to Prevent Recurrent Nighttime Toothache

Method 1: Limit Sugar to Reduce Tooth Pain

Reduce high-sugar foods to protect your teeth

• If you have a toothache, limit sugary foods as sugar is a nutrient source for bacteria in plaque. When bacteria metabolize sugar, they produce acids that erode tooth enamel, causing tooth decay to progress faster and making the pain more severe.

• Cutting down on sugar not only helps with at-home toothache relief but also limits tooth damage while awaiting treatment.

Foods to limit

• Hard candies, gummy candies, and various pastries.

• Ice cream and high-sugar desserts.

• Carbonated soft drinks, milk tea, energy drinks, and other sugary beverages.

• Foods that easily stick to teeth, such as caramel or sweet biscuits.

Be cautious with acidic foods and drinks

• Additionally, acidic foods can make teeth more sensitive and irritate the affected area.

• Limit:

  • Citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, and grapefruits.

  • Sour fruit juices.

  • Carbonated soft drinks and other acidic beverages.

Prioritize tooth-friendly foods

• During a nighttime toothache or when teeth are sensitive, choose:

  • Soft foods such as porridge, soup, low-sugar yogurt, or mashed potatoes.

  • Foods at a moderate warm or cool temperature, avoiding excessively hot or cold.

  • Plain water to keep the mouth clean and reduce dry mouth sensation.

Important notes

• Limiting sugar and acidic foods only helps reduce the risk of worsening a toothache; it cannot treat the underlying cause.

• If a nighttime toothache persists for several days, accompanied by swollen gums, fever, or severe pain when chewing, consult a dentist for timely examination and treatment. Early treatment will help preserve the tooth and prevent complications such as pulpitis or a dental abscess.

Method 2: Regular dental check-ups to prevent toothache

Maintain regular dental visits

• Regular dental check-ups are an effective way to detect oral problems early before they cause toothache, inflammation, or require complex treatment.

• Most adults should have a check-up and teeth cleaning every 6–12 months. However, your dentist may recommend shorter intervals if you are at high risk of cavities, have periodontal disease, or are undergoing orthodontic treatment.

Scaling helps protect oral health

• During each recall visit, the dentist or dental hygienist will:

  • Remove tartar and plaque buildup.

  • Polish tooth surfaces to reduce bacterial reattachment.

  • Check gum condition and overall oral health.

• Professional cleaning helps reduce the risk of cavities, gingivitis, and other causes of nighttime toothaches.

X-rays when necessary

• In addition to visual examination, your dentist may recommend X-rays to detect damage that cannot be seen directly, such as:

  • Cavities between teeth or under fillings.

  • Inflammation or infection around tooth roots.

  • Misaligned or impacted teeth.

  • Bone loss or jawbone conditions.

• Early detection allows for timely treatment, limiting complications and reducing the risk of tooth extraction.

Don't wait until you're in pain to see a dentist

• Many oral conditions progress silently and only cause symptoms when they have become severe.

• Regular dental check-ups help address issues in their early stages, reduce treatment costs, and limit the risk of facing toothaches, difficulty sleeping with a toothache, or requiring complex dental interventions in the future.

Combine with daily oral care

• To maintain long-term oral health, remember to:

  • Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.

  • Floss or use interdental brushes daily to clean plaque between teeth.

  • Limit sugary foods and acidic beverages.

  • Visit the dentist as recommended to prevent and detect early causes of toothache, thereby reducing the need for home toothache relief and maintaining strong, healthy teeth long-term.

Method 3: Avoid overly hot or cold foods

Limit extreme temperatures to reduce tooth irritation

• When you have a toothache, excessively hot or cold foods and drinks can irritate the nerves inside the tooth, making the pain more intense.

• During a nighttime toothache or when teeth are sensitive, prioritize foods at warm or room temperature to reduce sensitivity and help you sleep with a toothache more comfortably.

Foods and drinks to avoid

• Limit the use of:

  • Ice cream, ice cubes, popsicles, and drinks with a lot of ice.

  • Smoothies or overly cold beverages.

  • Coffee, tea, or soup that is too hot.

  • Any food with a temperature that is too high or too low compared to body temperature.

Persistent pain after hot or cold food requires a dental visit

• If your toothache lasts longer than 30 seconds after eating or drinking hot or cold items, you should see a dentist for an early check-up.

• This could be a sign of:

  • Worn tooth enamel.

  • Exposed dentin.

  • Pulp damage or inflammation.

  • Cracked tooth or progressive decay.

Use toothpaste for sensitive teeth

• If your teeth are frequently sensitive to hot or cold temperatures, choose toothpaste for sensitive teeth as recommended by your dentist.

• These products can help reduce sensitivity after regular use, and also support home toothache relief for mild sensitivity cases.

Brush teeth correctly to protect enamel

• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to minimize damage to gums and enamel.

• Brush gently in a motion from the gums down to the teeth or from bottom to top, instead of scrubbing horizontally with force, which can wear down enamel and expose tooth roots.

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day and replace your toothbrush every 3 months or sooner if the bristles are splayed.

Important notes

• Avoiding overly hot or cold foods only provides temporary relief from irritation; it does not treat the cause of the toothache.

• If sensitivity or nighttime toothache persists, recurs frequently, or worsens, consult a dentist for early diagnosis and treatment to preserve your teeth and prevent complications.

Method 4: Avoid hard and crunchy foods

Limit hard foods to protect an aching tooth

• When you have a toothache, chewing overly hard or crunchy foods can put significant pressure on the tooth, increasing pain and potentially worsening the damage.

• If the tooth is decayed, cracked, or has weak enamel, hard foods also increase the risk of tooth fracture, chipping, and make the treatment process more difficult.

Foods to limit

• During a nighttime toothache or when teeth are sensitive, you should avoid:

  • Hard candies.

  • Hard nuts that haven't been softened.

  • Unpopped popcorn kernels or popcorn hulls.

  • Bread with a very hard crust or hard biscuits.

  • Ice cubes and foods that require strong biting force.

Be especially careful with hard candies

• Hard candies are among the foods most likely to damage teeth because:

  • They can chip or crack tooth enamel when bitten.

  • High sugar content provides an environment for bacteria to grow and produce acids that cause cavities.

  • Candy fragments easily get stuck between teeth, increasing the risk of plaque formation and prolonging or worsening a toothache.

Prioritize soft foods during a toothache

• To support home toothache relief and help you sleep with a toothache more comfortably, choose:

  • Porridge, soup, or broth.

  • Soft rice, well-cooked noodles or vermicelli.

  • Eggs, tofu, and soft fish.

  • Mashed potatoes, low-sugar yogurt, or soft fruits like ripe bananas.

Important notes

• If you feel sharp pain when biting or chewing, do not try to continue using the affected side of your mouth. This could be a sign of a cracked tooth, decay extending to the pulp, or damage around the tooth root.

• Avoiding hard foods is only a temporary measure to reduce irritation. If the toothache persists, recurs frequently, or is accompanied by swollen gums, fever, or pus discharge, see a dentist for diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible.

Method 5: Brush and floss daily

Maintain oral hygiene even with a toothache

• When experiencing a toothache, many people hesitate to brush their teeth for fear of increased pain. However, keeping your mouth clean is crucial for controlling inflammation and preventing the pain from worsening.

• Maintaining proper hygiene also helps support home toothache relief and reduces the risk of nighttime toothaches caused by plaque and bacterial buildup.

Brush teeth correctly twice a day

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day, especially in the morning and before bed.

• Use fluoride toothpaste to help protect tooth enamel and reduce the risk of cavities.

• Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush gently in a motion from the gums down to the teeth or from bottom to top to clean effectively without damaging the gums.

• Do not scrub horizontally too hard, as this can wear down tooth enamel and expose tooth roots, increasing sensitivity.

Floss daily

• Floss at least once a day to remove food particles and plaque from areas a toothbrush can't easily reach.

• Use gentle motions, avoiding pulling too hard, which can damage gums or cause bleeding.

• If you're new to flossing and experience mild gum bleeding in the first few days, this usually improves as your gums become healthier. However, if bleeding persists, you should see a dentist for an examination.

Combine oral care measures

• To limit recurrent toothaches, combine:

  • Rinsing with warm salt water or a fluoride mouthwash as directed by your dentist.

  • Limiting sugary foods and acidic beverages.

  • Avoiding overly hard, hot, or cold foods when teeth are sensitive.

  • Regular dental check-ups to detect and treat oral problems early.

Important notes

• Good oral hygiene helps reduce the risk of cavities, gingivitis, and periodontal diseases, but it cannot replace treatment once damage has occurred, such as pulpitis, abscesses, or cracked teeth.

• If a toothache or nighttime toothache persists for several days, worsens when biting or chewing, or is accompanied by swelling, fever, or pus discharge, see a dentist as soon as possible for diagnosis and definitive treatment.

Method 6: Wear a night guard when sleeping

Use a night guard as directed by your dentist

• If you frequently grind your teeth or clench your jaw while sleeping, this could be the cause of toothaches, sensitivity, enamel wear, and jaw pain upon waking.

• If you suspect this condition, consult your dentist. After examination, the dentist may prescribe a night guard to protect your teeth while you sleep.

• A night guard helps reduce the force between the upper and lower jaws, limiting tooth wear, cracks, and contributing to reducing nighttime toothaches, helping you sleep with a toothache more comfortably.

Recognize signs of teeth grinding while sleeping

• You should seek examination if you experience symptoms such as:

  • Frequent jaw pain or fatigue after waking up.

  • Unexplained tooth wear, cracks, or chips.

  • Temporal headaches in the morning.

  • Family members hear teeth grinding while you sleep.

  • Increasing tooth sensitivity or aches when eating or drinking.

Treatments for teeth grinding

• Depending on the cause and severity of teeth grinding, your dentist may suggest one or more of the following methods:

  • Wearing a custom-fitted night guard.

  • Restoring worn or cracked teeth with crowns, fillings, or other dental procedures if necessary.

  • Adjusting the bite in cases of abnormal occlusion.

Manage stress to reduce teeth grinding

• Stress and anxiety are common factors that worsen teeth grinding during sleep. To improve this, you can:

  • Maintain a regular sleep schedule.

  • Practice relaxation exercises, deep breathing, or meditation before bed.

  • Limit caffeine, strong tea, and other caffeinated beverages in the evening.

  • Perform neck, shoulder, and jaw stretching exercises if guided by a professional.

Medication should only be used as prescribed

• In some special cases, a doctor may prescribe medication to relax jaw muscles or help manage anxiety if these are contributing factors to teeth grinding.

• Do not self-medicate with muscle relaxants or sedatives, as they can cause side effects and do not address the long-term cause.

Important notes

• A night guard helps protect teeth from damage but does not treat the root cause of teeth grinding.

• If you frequently experience toothaches, nighttime toothaches, jaw pain, or suspect you grind your teeth while sleeping, see a dentist for an evaluation and to choose the appropriate treatment method. Early treatment will help preserve enamel, reduce pain, and limit complications related to the temporomandibular joint.

References

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Content editor: Rene Lee Nguyen.

Information reviewed and verified by expert: Nicholas Reed.