Toothache at night · Steps for tonight · Free
Toothache tonight: what to do until morning
Pick what is going on. You get steps to get through the night, in order, and the signs that mean you should not wait for morning.
What is happening?
Choose the closest match to see what to do, in order.
Comfort until you are seen · It does not treat the cause · Emergency → 911
Why it hurts more at night
Lying down changes the pressure in the tooth
A toothache that is bearable during the day often becomes much worse in bed. When you lie flat, more blood reaches the head, and an inflamed tooth nerve sits inside a hard shell with no room to swell. The pressure rises, and so does the pain. There is also less to distract you, and many people clench their teeth in their sleep.
That is why raising your head is the first step in every plan above. It does not fix anything, and neither does anything else you can do at home. Tooth pain that wakes you is one of the patterns dentists take most seriously, because it often means the nerve is inflamed or infected. The cause needs treating.
If the pain suddenly stops by itself, do not take that as a recovery. It can mean the nerve has died, and the infection that killed it is usually still there. Keep the appointment.
Table 1 — What not to do
Things that make it worse
| Aspirin or any tablet on the gum | It causes a chemical burn and does nothing for the tooth. |
| Heat on a swollen face | Warmth can draw an infection outward and increase swelling. Use cold on the outside. |
| Leftover or borrowed antibiotics | They do not treat a toothache by themselves and can mask an infection that is getting worse. |
| Popping or pressing on a swelling | It spreads infection and does not drain it properly. |
| Waiting it out because the pain eased | Pain that stops can mean the nerve has died. The problem is still there. |
Common questions
- Why is my toothache worse at night?
- Lying flat sends more blood to the head, which raises the pressure inside an inflamed tooth. There are also fewer distractions, and many people clench their teeth while asleep. Propping your head up on an extra pillow often takes the edge off until you can be seen.
- How should I sleep with a toothache?
- Sleep with your head raised on an extra pillow or two, on the side away from the sore tooth. Avoid eating or drinking anything very hot, cold or sweet before bed. This is a way to get through the night, and the tooth still needs a dentist.
- When is a toothache an emergency?
- Trouble breathing or swallowing, swelling that is spreading toward your eye or down your neck, a fever with a swollen face, or bleeding that will not stop means 911 or the emergency room now. Pain with any swelling, or pain that kept you awake, should be seen by a dentist the same day.
- What is the best painkiller for a toothache?
- That depends on your health and your other medicines, so it is a question for a pharmacist, dentist or doctor. Whatever over-the-counter product you use, follow the package label exactly. Pain relief does not treat the cause, which is why the tooth still needs to be examined.
- Will the emergency room pull or fix my tooth?
- Usually not. Emergency rooms can treat serious infection, swelling and pain, and they should be used when the signs above are present. They rarely have a dentist, so you will still need a dental appointment for the tooth itself.
General information · Not dental advice
These steps are for comfort until you can be seen. They do not treat the cause of a toothache, and they cannot tell you what it is. We always recommend seeing a dentist. Nothing on this site can examine your mouth or tell you what is wrong. If something hurts, looks wrong, or worries you, book an exam, and go sooner if it is getting worse.
Emergency? If you have trouble breathing or swallowing, swelling that is spreading toward your eye or neck, a fever with facial swelling, or bleeding that will not stop, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room immediately. Full disclaimer
About this tool
This tool gives general, educational information only. It does not know your health history, has not examined you, and cannot diagnose anything or tell you what treatment you need. Use it to prepare for a conversation with your dentist, not to replace one.
Medical disclaimer
The information provided on Urgent Dental Helper is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is NOT intended to be a substitute for professional medical or dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Urgent Dental Helper is not a dental practice, and nothing here has examined your mouth. Always see a licensed dentist, physician, or other qualified health provider in person about any dental or medical condition. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or any result you received on this website.