We’ve all been there; it’s late, you’re knackered, and just as you’re about to drift off, bam, a toothache hits. Somehow, the pain feels worse at night, doesn’t it? You’re tossing and turning, holding your jaw, Googling home remedies at 2 am. The whole thing can be downright miserable.
Toothaches don’t care if you’ve got work in the morning or if the dentist is closed. So what do you do when the pain sets in after hours? Let’s break down why toothaches feel worse at night, what you can do to relieve the pain, and how to actually get some sleep until you can see your dentist.
Why Does My Toothache Feel Worse at Night?
It’s not your imagination; tooth pain really can intensify once the sun goes down. Here’s why:
1. You’re Lying Down
When you lie flat, blood flows more easily to your head, increasing pressure in sensitive areas like your mouth and sinuses. That extra pressure can make any inflammation in your teeth feel worse.
2. Fewer Distractions
During the day, you’re busy with work, school runs, life admin — your brain is preoccupied. At night, when it’s quiet and you’re trying to relax, you become hyper-aware of every throb, tingle, or ache in your body. Especially in your mouth.
3. Your Mouth Dries Out
When you’re asleep, you’re not swallowing as much, and your mouth naturally gets drier. Less saliva means bacteria and acids can go unchecked, irritating your tooth and gums even more.
How to Relieve a Toothache at Night (So You Can Actually Sleep)
If you’re stuck waiting for a morning dental appointment or it’s the weekend, here are some practical, at-home ways to help reduce the pain and catch some much-needed Zs.
1. Take Over-the-Counter Pain Relief
Paracetamol or ibuprofen can work wonders for dental pain. Make sure you follow the dosage instructions and don’t take both at the same time unless your GP or pharmacist says it’s okay. Ibuprofen can also help reduce inflammation.
Tip: Take it 30–60 minutes before bedtime to give it time to kick in.
2. Keep Your Head Elevated
Prop yourself up with a few pillows or try sleeping in a semi-upright position. This can help reduce the pressure in your mouth and lessen the throbbing.
3. Rinse with Salt Water
A warm saltwater rinse is a classic remedy for a reason. It helps clean the area, reduce bacteria, and soothe irritated gums.
How to do it: Mix ½ teaspoon of salt into a cup of warm water. Swish gently for about 30 seconds, then spit it out. Don’t swallow it.
4. Apply a Cold Compress
If your cheek is swollen or tender, apply a cold pack to the outside of your face for 15–20 minutes. This can help numb the area and reduce swelling.
No ice pack? Wrap some frozen peas in a tea towel — works just as well.
5. Avoid Certain Foods Before Bed
If your toothache flares up after dinner, steer clear of sugary, hard, or hot/cold foods in the evening. Try eating something soft and bland instead. Also, avoid acidic drinks like juice or soft drinks; water is your friend here.
6. Use Clove Oil
This old-school natural remedy is still around because it works. Clove oil has a compound called eugenol, which has natural numbing properties.
How to use it: Dab a tiny bit onto a cotton bud and gently apply it to the sore area (not for broken skin). Don’t overdo it — a little goes a long way.
7. Try a Numbing Gel
Your local chemist might have an over-the-counter oral anaesthetic gel. These are usually used for teething babies or mouth ulcers, but they can offer temporary relief for adults too.
What NOT to Do
Let’s also chat about what you shouldn’t do when dealing with a toothache at night:
- Don’t put aspirin directly on the tooth or gum — it can burn the tissue.
- Don’t ignore it for days — pain is your body’s way of saying something’s not right.
- Don’t overmedicate — always follow the recommended dosage for any painkillers.
- Don’t sleep with a hot pack — this might actually increase inflammation.
When to See a Dentist (ASAP)
Even if the pain goes away in the morning, it’s still worth getting checked out. Pain is often a sign of:
- A cavity
- Gum infection
- Abscess
- Cracked tooth
- Wisdom tooth trouble
- Sinus pressure (which can mimic dental pain)
These issues won’t fix themselves, and the longer you wait, the more complicated (and costly) it could get.
Emergency alert: If you notice swelling in your face, have a fever, or the pain is unbearable and not easing with medication, get to an emergency dentist or hospital straight away. This could be a serious infection.
Final Thoughts: Get Through the Night, Then Get Help
Toothaches at night are a nightmare, literally. But with a bit of planning and a few tried-and-true tricks, you can manage the pain until morning and get some sleep. Just remember: these tips are temporary fixes, not cures.
If you’re waking up with dental pain more than once, or it’s getting worse, it’s time to book in with your family dentist. They’ll be able to suss out what’s really going on and get you sorted before it turns into something bigger.
Until then — painkillers, saltwater, and pillows. You’ve got this.
