Natural Remedies to Ease Tooth Pain and Improve Sleep

Relieve Toothache at Night with These 5 Home Remedies

Tooth pain during the night can ruin your sleep, leaving you drained physically and mentally the following day. They are difficult to bear, whether it's a dull ache or sharp, throbbing pain. This type of pain usually results from several dental issues like cavities, inflammation of the gums, and tooth sensitivity.

Are you looking for ways to stop tooth pain at night? This blog has got you covered. Keep reading to learn about the top five home remedies that can alleviate toothache at night, understand the root causes of tooth pain, preventative measures, and more.  

Understanding Tooth Pain at Night

Odontalgia, or tooth pain, is often worse at night. This pain can range from a mild irritation in the teeth to an infection that requires urgent attention. Some home remedies may temporarily ease the pain, but any severe or persistent pain may require professional consultation.

Why Does Toothache Worsen at Night?

Many patients have claimed that their toothache worsens during the evening or nighttime. There are several reasons for this phenomenon:

•  Increased Blood Flow to the Head: More blood circulation to the head will magnify the feeling of pain when you are lying down.
•  Fewer Distractions: Since you are not distracted by multiple activities, like during the day, you become more easily aware of feeling uncomfortable.
• Jaw Clenching: Unconscious clenching of the jaw at night aggravates existing dental structure problems.
• The Body's Natural Rhythms: Your body may become more susceptible to toothaches at night due to a reduced pain tolerance.

Five Home Remedies for Tooth Pain Relief

Remedy 1: Saltwater Rinse

Rinsing the mouth with salt water can easily relieve tooth pain as salt is a natural antiseptic that decreases swelling and kills bacteria.

How to Use:

1.  Dissolve one teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water.
2.  Swish the solution in your mouth for 30 seconds, concentrating on the area of concern.
3.  Repeat this for 2-3 times, before bedtime.

Benefits:

●  Reduces swelling.
●  Cleans the infected area.
●  Soothes irritated gums.

Remedy 2: Clove Oil for Pain Relief

Clove oil has been a natural anaesthetic for hundreds of years because it contains eugenol, which numbs pain and fights against bacteria.

How to Use:

1.  Soak a cotton ball in clove oil.
2.  Rub it gently onto the aching tooth or gum.
3.  Let it be there for 5-10 minutes, then rinse your mouth.

Benefits:

●  Provides instant numbing relief.
●  Reduces bacterial infection.
●  It acts as a mild anti-inflammatory agent.

Remedy 3: Cold Compress Therapy

Cold compression will help to numb and reduce the swelling and pain from a toothache, especially if it's the result of a trauma or an infection.

How to Use:

1.  Wrap a few ice cubes in a clean cloth or use a frozen gel pack.
2.  Continue applying pressure with the compress to the cheek side near the aching tooth for 15-20 minutes.
3.  Repeat as needed every few hours.

Benefits:

●  Reduces inflammation.
●  Numbs the affected area.
●  Reduces throbbing.

Remedy 4: Over-the-Counter Medications

Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, may be used for immediate relief.

How to Use:

1.  Follow the dosing instructions printed on the packaging.
2.  Take it with food to avoid stomach irritation.
3.  It is not to be consumed in more than the recommended amount. 

Benefits:

●  Provides immediate relief and is effective.
●  Reduces inflammation.
●  Allows you to sleep better.

Remedy 5: Garlic Paste for Inflammation

The antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties of garlic make it an excellent remedy for tooth pain.

How to Use:

1.  Crush a fresh clove of garlic into a paste.
2.  Dab the paste on the area of the affected tooth.
3.  Rinse your mouth with lukewarm water after 10 minutes.

Benefits:

●  Kills the pain-causing bacteria.
●  Reduces inflammation.
●  It also provides a mild numbing effect.

How to Manage Kid Toothache at Night?

When it comes to how to reduce tooth pain at night for kids, soft and age-friendly care is advised: 

●  Saline water rinses or a cold compress might be helpful. Strong essential oils should be avoided.
●  Provide a soft pillow or elevate the child's head slightly to reduce blood flow to the head.
●  Refrain from sugary foods or drinks that may worsen the pain.
●  If the condition persists, visit a pediatric dentist immediately.

Common Causes of Tooth Pain at Night

There are several dental and non-dental causes of toothache at night, including: 

●  Cavities: Decay in teeth, exposing the nerve endings.
●  Gum Disease: Infected or inflamed gum tissue.
●  Dental Abscess: Bacterial infection resulting in the formation of pus.
●  Sensitivity to the Tooth: When the tooth's enamel has worn off and the gum receded to reveal the dentin layer. 
●  Impacted or Erupting Wisdom Teeth: Pain when wisdom teeth have been developing, impacted, or emerging into the mouth.
●  Bruxism: Clenching or grinding teeth of which one is not aware.
●  Cracked Tooth Syndrome: Tiny fracture(s) in the tooth leading to transient pain.

Knowing the root cause of your toothache can better enable you to choose the proper remedy or seek timely intervention by dental care.

Preventative Tips for Avoiding Tooth Pain at Night

●  Brush twice a day and floss to prevent the build-up of plaque in oral cavities.
●  Limit sugary foods as consumption of high sugar increases cavities.
●  Wash away food particles and bacteria by drinking water.
●  See your dentist every six months for a professional cleaning and evaluation.
●  Use fluoride toothpaste as it helps make the enamel strong and protects against decay.

The Link Between Tooth Pain and Sleep Issues

A toothache may make you sleep uncomfortably and bring about fatigue while decreasing your productivity. Uncomfortable pain will prevent you from attaining deep sleep cycles that help in physical body repair and mental clarity of thought. Treating the tooth problem quickly helps restore healthy patterns of sleep and general living.
Tooth pain at night can be particularly frustrating, but these five remedies can make the difference when you need it most. However, please remember that they are temporary measures of relieving pain. Thus, it is crucial to get the root cause diagnosed and treated by a dentist to ensure good, longer-term oral health.