The Best Side to Sleep with a Toothache for Pain Relief

Best Side to Sleep with a Toothache

Toothaches can make sleeping hard, especially when finding a comfortable position. The throbbing pain can interfere with your rest, making it even harder to get through the night. But did you know how your sleep can affect your toothache pain? Finding the correct sleeping position can help reduce discomfort and give you some much-needed relief. In this post, we’ll go over the best side to sleep with a toothache and other helpful tips for managing dental pain while you sleep. If you’re suffering from a toothache, keep reading for some valuable advice on how to ease the pain and get a better night’s sleep.

The Best Sleeping Position for Toothache

When you have a toothache, your sleep position dramatically affects how much pain you feel. Sleeping on the wrong side can pressure the affected tooth, worsening pain. On the other hand, choosing the correct position can help reduce the pressure and promote comfort. Let’s take a look at a few sleep strategies that can help.

Sleeping on the Opposite Side

One of the easiest ways to ease toothache pain at night is to sleep on the opposite side of the affected tooth. If your toothache is on the left side, try sleeping on your right side and vice versa. By sleeping on the side that’s not affected, you can avoid putting direct pressure on the painful tooth. This can help reduce throbbing or sharp pain during the night, allowing you to get some rest.

Elevating Your Head

Another helpful tip is to elevate your head while you sleep. Lying flat on your back can sometimes worsen the pain because it increases blood flow to the area and causes more swelling. You can elevate the affected area by propping up your head with pillows. This may help reduce swelling and pressure, which can relieve your pain. Try sleeping with an extra or wedge pillow to elevate your head comfortably.

Using a Pillow for Support

A pillow can do more than just support your head; it can also help relieve toothache pain. If you’re a side sleeper, try hugging or placing a soft pillow between your arms and your head. This can prevent you from pressing your face too hard into the mattress, which can aggravate dental pain. Proper support can help you maintain a more relaxed, comfortable position, leading to less discomfort while you sleep.

The Impact of Sleep Position on Toothache

Your sleep position affects more than just your comfort; it can also impact how your body reacts to dental pain. Sleep posture can help or hurt your toothache in several ways.

Reducing Pressure on the Affected Tooth

When you sleep on the side with the toothache, you’re putting pressure on that tooth. This can make the pain feel sharper and more intense, especially if the tooth is sensitive or swollen. By sleeping on the opposite side, you can avoid that added pressure, allowing the tooth to heal and reducing discomfort.

Read More: How to Save an Infected Tooth?

Improving Blood Flow

Blood flow dramatically affects how your body responds to pain and inflammation. By sleeping with your head elevated, you can promote better circulation and help reduce swelling in the area of your toothache. Proper blood flow may also speed up the healing process, especially if an underlying issue, like an infection or abscess, is causing the pain.

Promoting Drainage

If an infection causes your toothache, you may experience swelling or fluid buildup. Elevated sleep can help promote drainage and prevent the fluids from accumulating around the affected tooth. This can reduce pressure and discomfort, relieving you until you can get professional dental care.

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Additional Tips for Toothache Relief

To effectively manage toothache pain and enhance oral health throughout the night, it’s essential to consider your sleep position and various other strategies. Implementing these methods can help alleviate discomfort and promote overall well-being while you rest.

Over-the-Counter Pain Relief

Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help reduce pain and inflammation caused by a toothache. Be sure to follow the recommended dosage instructions, and if you need clarification on which medication is best for your situation, ask your dentist or doctor for advice.

Cold Compress

Applying a cold compress to the outside of your cheek can help numb the area around the painful tooth. This can provide temporary relief from the discomfort and reduce swelling. Be sure to wrap the ice pack in a cloth to protect your skin from frostbite. Apply the compress for 15-20 minutes, taking breaks in between.

Avoiding Irritating Foods and Drinks

When you have a toothache, it’s best to avoid foods and drinks that can make the pain worse. Hot, cold, sugary, or acidic items may irritate the sensitive tooth and increase discomfort. Stick to soft, room-temperature foods that won’t put extra strain on your tooth.

Tips for Toothache Relief

When to See a Dentist to find how Sleep with a Toothache

While adjusting your sleep position and following at-home remedies can help provide temporary relief, it’s important to remember that a toothache may be a sign of an underlying dental issue. If the pain persists, seeing a dentist for a professional evaluation is essential. If your toothache lasts more than a couple of days or becomes increasingly severe, it could indicate an infection or another serious dental issue that requires prompt treatment. Don’t hesitate to contact your dentist if the pain doesn’t subside.

Also, if you notice swelling in your gums, face, or neck, or if your toothache is accompanied by fever or a bad taste, this could be an infection. In such cases, it’s critical to seek emergency dental care immediately. An untreated infection can lead to more severe complications, so prompt treatment is essential for overall health.


Bottom Line

By implementing these practical tips and seeking advice from your dentist, you can significantly alleviate the discomfort often associated with toothaches. It’s essential to recognize that tooth pain can be a symptom of various dental issues, so addressing it early can pave the way for more effective treatment.

Additionally, don’t underestimate the importance of timely dental care. Regular check-ups with your dentist can help identify potential problems before they escalate into more severe pain. If you’re experiencing a toothache, it’s crucial to schedule a visit to your dentist as soon as possible.

If you’re dealing with toothache pain, don’t wait for it to worsen. Whether adjusting your sleep position, using home remedies, or seeking professional care, Smile Point Dental is here for all your dental needs with Same-day Dentist in Oakville,
Contact us now and let our friendly team help you get back to feeling your best. We’re just a click away; book your appointment now!

FAQs:

1. Does sleep position affect toothache pain?

Yes, the way you sleep can influence the intensity of toothache pain. Sleeping on the opposite side of the affected tooth and elevating your head can help reduce discomfort.

2. What is the best side to sleep on for a toothache?

It’s best to sleep on the opposite side of the tooth that’s causing pain to avoid putting pressure on the affected area.

3. Can pillows help relieve toothache pain?

Yes, pillows can provide significant support when elevating your head or hugging a pillow to prevent putting pressure on the affected tooth.

4. Should I avoid certain foods or drinks when I have a toothache?

Hot, cold, sugary, or acidic foods and drinks can irritate the affected tooth. Stick to soft, room-temperature foods until you can see a dentist.

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