Toothache at Night: What Helps Until You Can See a Dentist
Tooth pain often spikes at bedtime. Here’s why, what actually helps, and when it can’t wait until morning.
Why tooth pain gets worse at night
Lying down sends more blood toward your head, which increases pressure on an inflamed nerve inside the tooth. With fewer distractions you also notice the pain more, and clenching while you sleep can add to it.
What helps tonight
- Raise your head with an extra pillow.
- Take an over-the-counter pain reliever exactly as the label directs.
- Rinse with warm salt water.
- Hold a cold pack on the outside of your cheek for 15 minutes at a time.
- Floss gently around the tooth — trapped food can cause surprising pain.
What not to do
- Don’t put aspirin or crushed pills on the gum — it can burn the tissue.
- Don’t apply heat to a swollen face.
- Don’t poke or try to drain a bump on the gum.
When it can’t wait
Go to the ER for spreading swelling, a high fever, or trouble breathing or swallowing. Otherwise call us first thing at (281) 337-9000. Night-time throbbing usually means the nerve is inflamed or infected, which needs a filling, root canal or extraction to stop for good.