Toothache has a habit of flaring up the moment you lie down. There are a few things that genuinely help you get through the night, and some clear signs that the pain needs more than painkillers.
Why it feels worse at night
Lying down sends more blood to your head, which raises the pressure around a sore tooth, so it throbs harder. There is also far less to distract you at night, which makes the pain feel sharper than it did during the day.
What can help tonight
- Take paracetamol or ibuprofen at the normal dose if you are able to. Ibuprofen also helps with swelling.
- Prop your head up on an extra pillow rather than lying flat.
- Rinse with warm salty water to clean around the tooth.
- Hold a cold compress against your cheek for short spells to numb it.
- Keep off very hot, cold or sugary food and drink, and do not chew on that side.
- A little clove oil dabbed on the tooth can numb it briefly, but do not overdo it.
What not to do
Do not hold an aspirin against the gum, as it burns the soft tissue, and do not keep eating sugary things to feel better.
When to get seen
A dull ache that settles can wait for a normal appointment. Get an urgent appointment if the pain is severe, keeps you awake for more than a night or two, or comes with swelling, a bad taste, a raised temperature, or a tooth that hurts to touch, as these can mean infection. Phone your dentist, or call NHS 111 for an urgent slot. Swelling that affects breathing or swallowing means A and E.
Pain with swelling can be a dental abscess, which needs treating promptly.