How to Sleep With Tooth Pain: 7 Tips for a Better Night’s Rest

Let’s be real. There are few things more maddening than finally getting into bed, ready for some peace and quiet… only for tooth pain to show up like an uninvited guest who refuses to leave. It’s not just a little annoying—it's enough to keep you tossing and turning, questioning every life decision that led to this exact moment.

Why is a toothache at night so much worse? It’s like the second you lie down, the pain throws a party in your mouth. Whether it’s a cavity, wisdom teeth coming in hot, or just a plain-old toothache at night, the pressure builds, and suddenly sleep feels impossible. If this is you right now—yep, been there. Here’s how to make it through the night without losing your mind.

1. Toothache? Keep Your Head Elevated (Literally)

Here’s the thing: when you lie flat, blood flows more easily to your head, which can make the pain from a toothache feel like it’s pounding in rhythm with your heartbeat. Cute, right?

One of the easiest tricks? Stack an extra pillow or two to keep your head elevated. It won’t magically erase the pain, but it can lower the pressure enough to take the edge off. Sometimes that’s all you need to fall asleep—or at least drift off before the next wave of ache rolls in.

2. When in Doubt, Call Your Dentist (Seriously)

Nobody likes hearing this, but if your tooth pain has been sticking around for more than a day or two—or if it’s waking you up at night—it’s time to stop waiting and make that dental appointment. A dentist can figure out what’s going on inside the tooth, whether it’s tooth decay, an infected tooth, or something more serious like a cracked root or gum abscess.

Even if you’re just trying to survive the night, knowing that you’ve got a professional dental treatment plan in the works can take a bit of the panic out of your evening. A real plan means real pain relief. Plus, let’s face it—if it hurts this much now, it’s not going to fix itself.

3. Tooth Pain? Over-the-Counter Relief Can Help

If you’ve ever sat in the dark wondering which over-the-counter pain medication works fastest, welcome to the club. The go-to options are ibuprofen and acetaminophen. Ibuprofen is great if there’s swelling—it’ll reduce inflammation while dulling the pain. Acetaminophen is solid if you’re just trying to shut the pain off long enough to get to sleep.

And yes, it’s okay to combine them if your doctor says it’s safe. But if you’re using them regularly just to survive the night, it’s time to schedule a dental exam. Painkillers are great for temporary relief, not a long-term fix.

4. Pain Reliever Not Enough? Try Home Remedies That Actually Work

Sometimes, you just want to try something natural. Maybe you’ve already taken a pain reliever, or maybe you’re saving it for 3 a.m. Either way, there are a few home remedies that aren’t total nonsense.

The classic salt water trick still works. Mix a teaspoon of salt into warm water and rinse your mouth gently. It can ease irritation and help your gum feel a little less angry.

If you have an ice pack handy, wrap it in a towel and press it to your cheek in 15-minute intervals. This can reduce pain and swelling, especially if your face is puffing up like a balloon.

Bonus trick? A peppermint tea bag, cooled to just-warm. Press it gently against your sore spot. It’s not magic, but it can soothe the pressure and pain just enough to make your bed feel less like a battleground.

5. Try a Soothing Rinse or Numbing Gel

There’s something about a cool, minty rinse that can make a bad situation feel just a little more manageable. Look for alcohol-free mouthwashes designed for oral health or try a gentle homemade salt water rinse. It helps clean the area and can wash away debris irritating your gum.

Another option? Over-the-counter gels like benzocaine. These topical numbing agents can help relieve pain fast—just don’t go overboard, and make sure you’re using the adult version if you’re not a kid.

Do these give lasting results? Not really. But they can take the sting out just long enough for you to sleep peacefully. Sometimes, that’s the win you need.

6. Cold Compress for the Win

Let’s say your cheek is puffy or there’s a dull throb you just can’t shake. A cold compress can help tone down that nighttime pain. It’s not high-tech, but it works.

Place an ice pack (wrapped in something soft) on the outside of your jaw for 15 minutes. It’s especially helpful if the pain is coming from a recent dental procedure, trauma, or a brewing gum infection. Just don’t put ice directly on the skin unless you like frostbite with your toothache.

If you can distract your nerves with cold, you’ll find it a little easier to get rid of a toothache—or at least convince your brain to ignore it for long enough to snooze.

7. If You Can’t Sleep, Don’t Tough It Out—Seek Emergency Dental Care

Here’s the deal: if you’ve tried pain medication, home remedies, rinses, elevation, cold packs, and you still can’t sleep—that’s your sign. This isn’t a regular toothache. This is probably a full-blown dental emergency.

Unbearable tooth pain, swelling in your jaw or face, fever, or pain that’s spreading? Time to stop Googling and call for emergency dental help. Some clinics offer after-hours or next-day appointments for exactly this kind of situation. Delaying it can mean more damage, a higher bill, and longer recovery. Don't wait until you're curled up on the bathroom floor whispering apologies to your tooth.

Final Thoughts

Sleeping with tooth pain isn’t just uncomfortable—it’s exhausting. It affects your mood, your focus, and your whole day. Whether it’s a cavity, broken tooth, or a stubborn wisdom tooth, treating a toothache the right way means balancing short-term pain relief with long-term dental care.

Yes, you can power through the night with a combination of smart tricks, over-the-counter help, and the occasional prayer to the Tooth Fairy. But if the pain keeps coming back, your best move is to book a visit for professional dental care and finally fix what’s been keeping you up.

Take care of your teeth. They’ve got roots, feelings (sort of), and apparently, a flair for pain at night. Give them the care they need, and you might just get your night’s sleep back, too.