A toothache at night always seems worse. You lie down, the house goes quiet, and the throbbing gets louder. Here's why it happens, how to ease it, and when you shouldn't wait until morning.
Key points
- Toothache at night often feels worse because lying down increases blood flow to your head.
- Painkillers taken as directed, a cold compress and keeping your head raised can all help.
- Swelling that spreads, a fever, or trouble swallowing or breathing needs urgent care straight away.
A toothache is your tooth's way of saying something is wrong. Usually, that means decay has reached the nerve, a tooth has cracked, or there's an infection. Home remedies can ease the pain for now. But they won't fix the cause, so plan to see a dentist soon.
Why toothache at night feels worse
There are two main reasons. First, when you lie flat, more blood flows to your head. This adds pressure on the sore area, so the pain throbs more. Second, there are fewer distractions at night. As a result, you notice the pain much more than during a busy day.
How to ease toothache at night
- Take a painkiller. Use an over-the-counter painkiller such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, exactly as the pack says. Check with a pharmacist if you take other medicines or are pregnant.
- Keep your head raised. Use an extra pillow so blood doesn’t pool around the sore tooth.
- Use a cold compress. Hold an ice pack wrapped in a cloth against your cheek for 15 minutes at a time.
- Rinse with warm salt water. Half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water can soothe sore gums.
- Avoid triggers. Skip very hot, cold or sweet food and drinks, and chew on the other side.
It’s an old remedy, but aspirin placed against the gum can burn it. Swallow painkillers as directed instead.
What usually causes the pain
- Deep decay that has reached the nerve
- A cracked tooth, which often hurts when you bite or release
- An abscess, an infection that can cause throbbing pain and swelling
- A wisdom tooth coming through with a sore, infected gum
- A lost filling that leaves the inside of the tooth exposed
Depending on the cause, you may need a filling, a root canal or, in some cases, an extraction. Your dentist will explain the options first.
When toothache at night can't wait
Go to a hospital emergency department straight away if you have:
- Swelling that spreads to your eye, jaw or neck
- A high temperature with the toothache
- Trouble swallowing or breathing
For other toothache, see a dentist as soon as you can. We’re open every day until 11 PM, including late evenings. So message us on WhatsApp, even if it’s already late, and we’ll offer the first free slot.
This article is general information, not a diagnosis. Every mouth is different, so please see a dentist for advice about your own teeth.
