How to Sleep After Wisdom Teeth Removal: Simple Tips for a Better Night

Getting your wisdom teeth out is never fun. After you leave the dentist, you’re tired, sore, and maybe a little swollen. But the hardest part sometimes comes at night—how do you actually go to sleep and feel comfortable? If you’re worried about pain, swelling, or bleeding when you lie down, you’re not alone.

The good news is that sleeping after wisdom teeth removal doesn’t have to be a nightmare. There are a few easy ways you can make bedtime less stressful and help yourself heal faster. Let’s talk about how you can get good rest and what you need to know for the nights right after your surgery.

Why Sleeping Position Is Important

When you’ve just had your wisdom teeth out, your mouth and cheeks can get swollen and sore. If you lay flat on your back, the blood flow to your head can make swelling worse. That can mean more pain, more bleeding, and a tougher time healing.

Changing the way you sleep helps you manage swelling and keeps you more comfortable. Your sleeping position doesn’t just matter for comfort—it’s also about healing better and faster.

The Best Way to Sleep: Keep Your Head Up

The most important thing to remember after your surgery is to keep your head propped up. Sleeping with your head higher than your heart helps keep swelling down. It’s a little like keeping your ankle up after you twist it—gravity helps fluids drain away and reduces puffiness.

Try to sleep with your head at about a 45-degree angle for the first few nights. This is the easiest way to avoid extra swelling and pressure.

How to Use Pillows for Comfort

Not everyone has a recliner at home, but you can make one on your own bed with pillows.

Here’s how:

1. Stack two or three pillows behind your back and shoulders to make a sloped “ramp.” Don’t just put them under your head—you want your upper back propped up too.
2. Add another small pillow for neck support if it helps.
3. Use extra pillows on your sides so you don’t roll over during the night.

This set-up keeps you in place and makes it less likely that you’ll turn onto your side or stomach while you’re sleeping.

Getting Ready for Bed: Pain and Bleeding Tips

Even with a good pillow set-up, you might still have pain or worry about bleeding at night. Here’s what you can do:

• Take your pain medicine before bed. Don’t wait until it hurts more. If your dentist gave you medicine, take it about 30 minutes to an hour before you sleep.
• Use an ice pack before going to bed. Hold it gently on your cheeks for about 15 or 20 minutes. This can help numb the area and keep swelling down.
• Check with your dentist about sleeping with gauze. Most dentists say not to sleep with gauze in your mouth, as it’s a choking risk. Make sure you follow your dentist’s instructions if you’re still bleeding. If you do need to use gauze or a tea bag to stop bleeding, do it before going to sleep, then remove it.

Should You Sleep on Your Back or Side?

The safest position is usually on your back. Laying on your back helps you avoid putting pressure on your cheeks and jaw, which can be painful. Plus, you’re less likely to disturb the clot that’s helping you heal.

If you can’t sleep on your back, try sleeping on your side with your head still elevated and don’t put weight on your face. For the first few nights, avoid sleeping on your stomach—it will almost always make pain and swelling worse.

How Long Do You Need to Sleep Sitting Up?

You should sleep propped up for at least 48 hours (two nights), or even a little longer if your face is still swollen. Most swelling goes down after three days, so after that, you can slowly start sleeping flatter if you feel comfortable. Some people take up to a week to feel ready to lie down normally, and that’s okay—listen to your body.

Common Things Not to Do at Bedtime

1. Don’t sleep flat. This is the most common mistake and can cause more pain and swelling.
2. Don’t take pain medicine on an empty stomach. This can make you feel sick. Eat something soft like yogurt or applesauce before taking medicine.
3. Don’t forget the ice pack. Icing before bed helps ease pain and inflammation.
4. Don’t swish or rinse hard. Vigorous rinsing can loosen the blood clot and lead to dry socket, which is very painful. Let any rinse just roll out of your mouth gently.

Key Tips for Rest and Healing

• Prop your head up: Always keep your head higher than your heart when you go to sleep for the first few nights.
• Take your medicine before pain starts: Staying ahead of the pain makes sleep easier.
• Use ice for comfort: Ice packs are your friend—use them before bed, just not while you sleep.
• Stay on your back: It helps avoid extra pain and keeps your jaw safe.
• Keep up with your dentist’s advice: Every mouth is different. Always go with your dentist’s instructions if you’re not sure about something.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How should I sleep the first night after wisdom teeth removal?
Sleep with your head raised and your upper back supported by pillows. Stick to your back if you can, and take your pain meds before bed.

2. Is it okay to sleep on my side after wisdom teeth removal?
It’s better to sleep on your back for the first couple nights. If you must sleep on your side, keep your head up and don’t put weight on your jaw.

3. What if I’m still bleeding at bedtime?
Don’t sleep with gauze in your mouth. If you are still bleeding, place fresh gauze or a damp tea bag over the area, bite down gently, and wait 30-45 minutes before bed. Only go to bed when bleeding has slowed to a little oozing.4. How long do I need to sleep sitting up after wisdom teeth removal?
At least 48 hours, and possibly up to a week if you’re still swollen.

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