Toothache at Night? Here’s What You Can Do Before Morning

A nighttime toothache can be more than just uncomfortable—it can feel unbearable. When you’re trying to get some rest and a sharp or throbbing pain keeps you up, you may wonder if there’s anything you can do before morning. The good news? There are several steps you can take to manage the pain until you can visit your dentist.

At Dr. Molly Rodgers Dental, we understand how disruptive dental pain can be. Here’s a guide to help you get relief—and some sleep—before your next appointment.

Why Does Tooth Pain Feel Worse at Night?

Toothaches often intensify at night due to several factors:

• Blood Flow Increases When You Lie Down: When you’re horizontal, blood flow to your head and mouth increases, which can amplify pain and inflammation.

• Fewer Distractions: During the day, you’re busy. At night, when it’s quiet, pain becomes more noticeable.

• Mouth Positioning: Sleeping with your mouth open can cause dryness, which may aggravate sensitivity or decay.

1. Rinse with Warm Salt Water

A classic remedy—and for good reason. Saltwater acts as a natural disinfectant. It helps reduce inflammation, loosens debris stuck between your teeth, and can gently clean out any areas affected by infection or irritation. This can offer temporary relief while also promoting healing.

How to do it:
Mix ½ teaspoon of salt into a cup of warm (not hot) water. Stir until the salt is fully dissolved. Swish the solution gently in your mouth for about 30 seconds, making sure it reaches the affected area. Spit it out—don’t swallow. You can repeat this process every few hours, especially after meals and before bed, to keep the area clean and reduce discomfort.

Saltwater rinsing is safe, easy, and effective—but it’s not a replacement for dental treatment if the pain persists.

2. Use a Cold Compress

If your toothache is accompanied by swelling, throbbing, or a dull ache that radiates, a cold compress can be an effective way to dull the pain and bring down inflammation. The cold helps constrict blood vessels in the area, which numbs the sensation and reduces swelling in the surrounding tissues.

How to do it:
Wrap a cold pack or a bag of frozen vegetables in a clean towel—never apply ice directly to the skin. Place it gently on the outside of your cheek, near the painful area, for 15–20 minutes at a time. Wait at least 20 minutes between applications to avoid skin irritation. You can repeat this process every few hours as needed, especially before bedtime to help calm the pain enough to fall asleep.

Cold compresses are especially helpful if the pain is due to trauma or swelling, such as an abscess or gum inflammation. However, this is a temporary measure—be sure to follow up with your dentist to find the underlying cause.

3. Take an Over-the-Counter Pain Reliever

Over-the-counter (OTC) medications like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) can offer significant relief from a nighttime toothache. Ibuprofen is especially helpful because it reduces both pain and inflammation, making it ideal if swelling is part of the problem. Acetaminophen is a good option if you can’t take ibuprofen due to stomach sensitivity or other health reasons.

These medications won’t fix the root issue, but they can make the pain more manageable until you can see your dentist.

Important:
Always follow the dosing instructions on the package or as advised by a healthcare provider. Never exceed the recommended amount.
Do not apply aspirin or any other pain reliever directly to the gums or tooth. This outdated home remedy can cause chemical burns to your soft tissue and worsen your discomfort.

If the pain returns before your next scheduled dose, consider alternating between acetaminophen and ibuprofen—but only if approved by your healthcare provider.

4. Elevate Your Head

When you lie flat, more blood flows to your head and face, which can increase pressure around a sensitive tooth. This added pressure often intensifies pain, making it harder to relax or fall asleep. Elevating your head helps minimize blood flow to the area, reducing throbbing sensations and making it easier to get some rest.

How to do it:
Use an extra pillow—or even two—to prop your head and upper shoulders at a slight angle. You can also try sleeping in a recliner if lying in bed makes the pain worse. The goal is to keep your head elevated above your heart, which can lessen the intensity of your toothache and help reduce facial swelling if present.

Combining elevation with other remedies, like pain relievers or a cold compress, may offer better results and help you stay more comfortable through the night.

5. Try Clove Oil or Over-the-Counter Dental Gels

Clove oil is a natural analgesic with anti-inflammatory properties. Apply a small amount to a cotton ball and gently press it on the affected tooth and gums.

Alternatively, oral numbing gels containing benzocaine can temporarily relieve pain. Use only as directed, and avoid giving benzocaine to children under 2 years of age.

6. Avoid Certain Foods and Drinks

What you eat and drink at night can make a toothache worse. 

Stay away from:

• Sugary snacks

• Cold or hot beverages

• Acidic fruits

• Hard or crunchy foods

These can irritate an already-sensitive tooth and may increase your pain overnight.

7. Keep Your Mouth Clean

When you’re dealing with a toothache, it might be tempting to skip brushing or flossing—but keeping your mouth clean is essential. Food particles and bacteria around a decayed or damaged tooth can worsen inflammation and pain. Gently cleaning your teeth and gums helps reduce irritation and may prevent the problem from getting worse overnight.

How to do it:
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush slowly around the painful area. Avoid vigorous brushing or rinsing, which can aggravate sensitive gums or exposed nerves. If flossing is comfortable, do so carefully to remove any trapped food. Finish with a gentle rinse—preferably with warm salt water—to keep the area clean and soothe inflammation.

Maintaining oral hygiene, even during discomfort, can make a noticeable difference until you’re able to see your dentist.

When to Call a Dentist Immediately

Some symptoms indicate that you shouldn’t wait until morning:

• Swelling in your face or jaw

• Fever and chills

• Pus or foul taste in your mouth

• Difficulty swallowing or breathing

These could be signs of a serious infection that needs emergency treatment.

See Dr. Molly Rodgers Dental First Thing in the Morning

If you’re dealing with tooth pain at night, know that prompt treatment is key to preventing more serious dental issues. At Dr. Molly Rodgers Dental in Edmonton, we offer compassionate and comprehensive care for patients experiencing dental emergencies—including next-day appointments whenever possible.

Don’t wait—call us at 780-705-5322 or book online so we can relieve your pain and restore your smile.

Final Thoughts

Toothaches at night are no joke—but you’re not powerless. These at-home remedies can provide much-needed relief until you get professional care. Whether it’s a cavity, cracked tooth, or infection, Dr. Molly Rodgers Dental is here to help you get back to living pain-free.

Remember: If the pain persists or worsens, don’t delay. Schedule a visit so we can identify the root cause and recommend the best treatment.