Emergency
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Toothache at Night: How to Ease the Pain Until Morning
Tooth pain often feels worst at night, just when you can't call a dentist. Here are safe ways to ease it until morning, and the signs that mean you need help sooner.
The short answer
Toothaches often feel worse at night because lying down increases blood flow to your head. Sleeping with your head raised, rinsing with warm salt water, a cold compress and over-the-counter pain relief can help until you see a dentist. Facial swelling, fever or trouble swallowing need urgent care.
Key takeaways
Do
- Raise your head when sleeping
- Rinse with warm salt water
- Use a cold compress on the cheek
- Call the dentist in the morning
Don't
- Put aspirin on the gum
- Use heat on swelling
- Ignore swelling or fever
Why is tooth pain worse at night?
When you lie down, more blood flows to your head, which can increase pressure around an inflamed tooth. With fewer distractions, you also notice the pain more.
What can I do tonight?
- Sleep with your head raised on an extra pillow.
- Rinse with warm salt water and floss gently to remove trapped food.
- Hold a cold compress on your cheek for 10 minutes at a time.
- Take an over-the-counter pain reliever as directed on the label. Ask a pharmacist if you have health conditions or take other medicines.
What should I avoid?
- Aspirin on the gum. It can burn the tissue.
- Heat on swelling. It can make infection spread.
- Very hot, cold or sugary foods that trigger the pain.
In pain? Call (714) 505-9462 when we open and we'll find the earliest time.
Book a consultationWhen should I go to urgent care or the ER?
Go to the ER or call 911 if you have swelling that affects breathing or swallowing, a high fever with facial swelling, or bleeding that won't stop. A dental abscess can become serious. Read Why a Dental Abscess Needs Treatment Today.
What usually causes it?
Common causes include a deep cavity, a cracked tooth, an infected nerve, gum infection or a wisdom tooth. Many need a filling, a root canal or other treatment. See Root Canal or Extraction and Implant.
How do I get seen quickly?
Call as early as possible. We see emergency patients as quickly as we can, same-day or next-day, depending on the schedule. A limited emergency exam with X-rays starts from $89.
Toothache help in Tustin
Our office is at 604 E 1st St in the Larwin Square Shopping Center in Tustin. We're open Monday to Wednesday and Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, and every Saturday from 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM. Call (714) 505-9462 first thing.
Questions patients ask
Can a toothache go away on its own?
The pain may come and go, but the cause usually doesn't go away without treatment.
Is ibuprofen or acetaminophen better?
Ibuprofen often helps dental pain because it also reduces inflammation, but it isn't right for everyone. Follow the label and ask a pharmacist or your doctor.
Can a toothache cause a headache?
Yes. Tooth pain can spread to the jaw, ear and head.
What if it's a wisdom tooth?
Rinse with warm salt water and keep the area clean, then call us. Wisdom teeth often need to be checked and sometimes removed.
Get it checked soon
Relief tonight helps, but the cause needs treatment. Call us in the morning and we'll find the earliest time to see you.
Sources: ADA MouthHealthy: Dental Emergencies · ADA MouthHealthy: Antibiotics for Pain and Swelling
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This guide is general information, not a diagnosis. Book a visit for advice about your own teeth.