In short: For a severe toothache at night, rinse with warm salt water, gently floss to remove any trapped food, take an over-the-counter painkiller you normally tolerate, and keep your head propped up. Avoid very hot, cold or sugary foods. These steps ease the pain until you can see a dentist — which you should do promptly.
A bad toothache at night is miserable, and pain often feels worse when you lie down because more blood flows to the head. While you can’t fix the underlying problem at home, you can get relief until you’re able to see a dentist:
- Treat it as urgent if you have facial swelling, fever, or difficulty swallowing or breathing – seek emergency care immediately.
- Rinse with warm salt water (a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water). It soothes the area and helps clean it.
- Floss gently around the sore tooth to dislodge any trapped food, which can be the cause of sudden pressure and pain.
- Take an over-the-counter painkiller you know you tolerate, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, following the packet instructions. (Never place a tablet directly against the gum — it can burn the tissue.)
- Keep your head elevated with an extra pillow to reduce throbbing.
- Avoid triggers — very hot, cold, sweet foods and chewing on that side.
- A cold compress on the cheek can help if there’s swelling.
Importantly, these measures only manage the symptom. A severe toothache usually means something needs treatment — often a deep cavity, an infection or an abscess. See a dentist as soon as possible, and treat it as urgent if you have facial swelling, fever, or difficulty swallowing or breathing (in that case seek emergency care immediately).
Don’t tough it out for days — book emergency dental care promptly, and call us so we can advise and see you quickly.