Toothache at Night: Causes and What You Can Do Until You See a Dentist
Night pain can feel worse when you are trying to rest. The room is quiet and you notice every throb. This guide explains why night toothache happens and gives safe steps you can take until you visit your dentist.
If you have severe pain, swelling, fever, or trouble swallowing, contact our emergency dentist in Ludlow for same day advice.
Why Toothache Feels Worse at Night
Several factors can make pain feel stronger when you lie down. More blood flows to the head in a flat position and pressure can build in the tooth. There are also fewer distractions at night so you notice pain more.
Common causes
- Tooth decay that has reached the nerve
- Cracked tooth or lost filling
- Deep gum infection around a tooth
- Impacted wisdom tooth
- Sinus pressure that refers to the upper back teeth
- Teeth grinding while asleep
Quick Relief Steps You Can Try Tonight
Do this
- Rinse with warm salty water for thirty seconds and repeat a few times
- Gently floss around the sore tooth to remove trapped food
- Use a cold pack on the cheek for ten minutes on and ten minutes off
- Keep your head raised on an extra pillow
- Take over the counter pain relief as directed on the label
- If a filling has come out use pharmacy temporary filling material until you are seen
Follow medicine labels and speak to a pharmacist if you are not sure
Avoid this
- Do not put aspirin on the gum or tooth
- Do not use very hot drinks on the area
- Do not pick at the gum with sharp items
- Do not ignore swelling or fever
- Do not delay if pain keeps you from sleep
When You Should Call for Urgent Help
Call our emergency dentistry team now if you notice any of the following signs.
- Facial swelling or a bad taste with swelling
- Fever or feeling generally unwell
- Injury to a tooth or a broken tooth with sharp edges
- Pain that does not improve with simple pain relief
- Swelling under the jaw or trouble swallowing
Likely Causes and How Dentists Treat Them
| Cause |
What it feels like |
Common treatment |
| Tooth decay close to the nerve |
Throb that gets worse with sweet or cold |
tooth filling or root canal treatment |
| Cracked tooth |
Sharp pain on biting or release |
Bonding or crown and sometimes root canal treatment |
| Gum infection |
Tender gum with swelling or bad taste |
Cleaning, medication, and review with gum care |
| Impacted wisdom tooth |
Pain behind the last tooth with sore cheek |
wisdom tooth removal or local care |
| Lost filling |
Cold sensitivity and food trapping |
new filling or a crown if needed |
| Sinus related pain |
Pressure in upper back teeth on both sides |
Medical review plus dental check to rule out tooth decay |
How to Sleep Better With Toothache
- Avoid chewing on the sore side in the evening
- Choose soft cool foods and drink water
- Brush gently before bed and remove any trapped food
- Use the cold pack routine and keep the head raised
- Prepare what you need for the night so you can settle quickly
See a Dentist to Fix the Cause
Home steps can calm pain for a short time but they do not treat the cause. A dentist can diagnose the problem and provide care so you can sleep and eat in comfort again.
Book an assessment with our team for emergency dentistry in Ludlow, a new dental check up and cleaning, or targeted care like tooth fillings and root canal treatment. You can also reach us through the contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Use over the counter options as directed on the label. Speak to a pharmacist about the best choice for you and possible interactions. Do not place tablets on the gum.
Some people find brief relief from clove oil on a cotton bud placed on the tooth surface. Use a tiny amount and avoid contact with the gum. This is a short term measure only.
Night toothache is stressful but help is close. Our friendly team at Corve Dental will guide you to calm the pain now and fix the cause with a clear plan.