Toothache at night can be stressful, especially when the pain makes it hard to sleep. The right next step depends on the cause of the pain, how severe it is, and whether there are warning signs such as swelling, fever or trauma.
If you have tooth pain that is severe, worsening, or keeps returning, it is best to call a dentist for advice and appointment availability.
Why can toothache feel worse at night?
Toothache may feel worse at night because there are fewer distractions, you are lying down, and pressure or inflammation around the tooth may become more noticeable.
Night-time tooth pain can be linked to tooth decay, a cracked tooth, gum infection, grinding, sinus pressure, food trapped between teeth, or inflammation inside the tooth.
What can you do before seeing a dentist?
These simple steps may help you manage the situation until you can speak with a dentist:
- Gently brush and floss around the sore area to remove trapped food
- Rinse gently with warm salty water
- Avoid chewing on the painful side
- Keep your head slightly elevated when resting
- Avoid very hot, cold or sweet foods if they trigger pain
- Call a dentist as soon as possible if pain is severe or persistent
When should you call a dentist urgently?
You should call a dentist promptly if you have severe toothache, swelling, pain when biting, a broken tooth, a lost filling, or pain that wakes you at night.
If you have facial swelling, trouble swallowing, trouble breathing, swelling near the eye, fever, or you feel very unwell, seek urgent medical care immediately.
Should you wait to see if the pain goes away?
Some mild sensitivity may settle, but toothache that keeps returning should not be ignored. Pain can settle temporarily even when the underlying problem remains.
A dental assessment can help identify the cause and reduce the risk of the problem becoming more difficult or expensive to treat later.
What might the dentist check?
Your dentist may check the tooth, gums, bite, surrounding teeth and any signs of infection or cracking. X-rays may be recommended if the cause is not obvious from a visual examination.
Possible treatment options
Treatment depends on the cause. Options may include cleaning around the area, a filling, repair of a cracked tooth, root canal treatment, a crown, gum treatment or extraction in more serious cases.
Your dentist will explain the findings and suitable options after assessing your tooth.
Book a toothache appointment in Lara
Lara Dental Prime provides emergency and general dental care in Lara. We welcome patients from Lara, Corio, Norlane, Lovely Banks, Anakie, Little River and nearby areas.
View emergency dentist information, read our toothache advice page, or call 03 5282 2222.