Toothache at night can feel unbearable, making falling or staying asleep nearly impossible. The pain often increases when lying down due to increased blood flow to the head, which puts more pressure on the affected area. Also, it isn’t always possible to get emergency dental care. If you’re struggling to get some rest and searching for ways to ease the discomfort, this article has some practical tips to help you manage the pain. Let’s take a quick look at the causes, solutions, and everything you should know about toothache.
- Elevate Your Head: Use an extra pillow to reduce blood flow and pressure on the tooth.
- Take Pain Relief: Take over-the-counter meds like ibuprofen or acetaminophen before bed.
- Apply a Cold Pack: Wrap ice in a cloth and place it on your cheek for 15 minutes.
- Rinse with Saltwater: Swish warm saltwater to reduce inflammation and clean the area.
- Avoid Hard Foods: Avoid chewing near the sore tooth to prevent worsening pain.
- Sleep on the Opposite Side: Lie on the side opposite the toothache to minimize irritation.
- See a Dentist Soon: Schedule an appointment to address the root cause quickly.

3 Tips for Relieving Toothache at Night
Dealing with a nighttime toothache can be annoying and painful. It often feels worse because of increased blood flow, fewer distractions, and extra sensitivity after eating certain foods. Luckily, several ways to ease the pain and help you get some rest.
- A pain reliever like ibuprofen, applying a cold compress to your cheek, or sleeping with your head slightly raised can help reduce discomfort.
- You can also try natural remedies like clove oil, a hydrogen peroxide rinse, or placing a peppermint tea bag on the sore area for temporary relief.
- Rinsing with warm salt water may also help by reducing swelling and bacteria, giving you comfort until you can see a dentist.

4 Causes of Toothache at Night
Having a toothache at night can be annoying, making it challenging to sleep and keeping you in pain. There are a few possible reasons for this, and figuring out the cause is essential to get relief and avoid more problems:
- Tooth decay and cavities expose the sensitive inner part of your tooth, causing sharp pain, especially when you eat or drink something hot or cold.
- Swollen or infected gums can hurt more at night because lying down increases blood flow to the area.
- Dental abscesses and deep infections inside teeth can cause severe, tender pain, often with swelling or even a fever.
- A cracked or broken tooth may become more sensitive when lying down, making it harder to get comfortable and sleep.

Struggling with a Toothache at Night?
Don’t let tooth pain keep you awake! Discover effective remedies to ease discomfort and get the restful sleep you need. Visit Golden Mile Dental for expert care and long-term relief. Schedule your appointment today!
Why Does Toothache Get Worse at Night?
Toothaches often feel worse at night for a few reasons. When you lie down, more blood flows to your head, putting extra pressure on the sore area and making the pain stronger. During the day, you’re busy with different activities that keep your mind off the pain. Still, there aren’t as many distractions at night, so the discomfort feels more intense. Eating hot, cold, or sugary foods during the day can also make your teeth and gums more sensitive, adding to the pain when trying to sleep.

When to See a Dentist
If your toothache lasts more than a couple of days or is accompanied by swelling, fever, or trouble swallowing, it’s important to see a dentist as soon as possible. Golden Mile Dental provides expert emergency care to find and treat the source of your pain.
“If you’re dealing with a relentless toothache, don’t wait! Golden Mile Dental helped me find relief fast. Their emergency care was a lifesaver!” Artemis, one of our patients.
Don’t wait. If your symptoms don’t improve or get worse, contact Golden Mile Dental today for fast, caring treatment. Our team is ready to help you feel better and return to your regular routine!
FAQ
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What causes toothaches to get worse at night?
Toothaches worsen at night due to increased blood flow to the head, increased oral sensitivity, and the lack of distractions that would otherwise shift your focus from the pain.
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How can I manage my toothache until I can see a dentist?
Use pain relievers, apply a cold compress, rinse with salt water, and keep your head elevated while sleeping. Avoid sugary or acidic foods that may worsen the pain.
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What is the best over-the-counter medication for toothache relief?
Ibuprofen and acetaminophen are the most effective OTC pain relievers for managing toothache discomfort.