How to Relieve Toothache at Night: 8 Safe Tips
Toothache often feels worse at night because lying down increases blood flow to your head and there is less to distract you from the pain. To relieve toothache at night, take painkillers as directed on the packet, sleep with your head raised on an extra pillow, rinse with warm salt water, use a cold compress on your cheek and avoid very hot, cold or sugary food before bed. These steps can ease the pain, but you will still need to see a dentist to treat the cause.
To relieve toothache at night, take paracetamol or ibuprofen as the packet directs, raise your head with an extra pillow, rinse with warm salt water, hold a cold compress against your cheek for 15 minutes and avoid sweet, hot or cold food before bed. If your face is swollen, you have a high temperature or the pain lasts more than 2 days, contact a dentist or NHS 111.
Key Takeaways
- Lying flat makes toothache feel worse, so keep your head raised.
- Painkillers help most when taken as directed before the pain gets severe.
- Home remedies are short-term relief, not a cure.
- Never put aspirin directly on your gum, as it can burn the tissue.
- Get urgent help for facial swelling that spreads to your eye or neck, or trouble breathing or swallowing.
This guide is general information, not medical advice. Always read the label on any medicine, and speak to a pharmacist, dentist or NHS 111 if you are unsure what is safe for you.
Why Does Toothache Get Worse at Night?
- Blood flow: when you lie down, more blood flows to your head, which can increase pressure and throbbing around an inflamed tooth.
- Fewer distractions: during the day you are busy, so you notice the pain less.
- Grinding or clenching: some people grind their teeth in their sleep, which adds pressure to a sore tooth.
- Food and drink: eating late, especially sugary or acidic food, can trigger pain in sensitive or decayed teeth.
8 Ways to Ease Toothache at Night
- Take a painkiller such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, following the dose on the packet. Ibuprofen is not suitable for everyone, so check the leaflet or ask a pharmacist. Do not give aspirin to children under 16.
- Raise your head with an extra pillow so blood does not pool around the painful area.
- Rinse with warm salt water. Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water, swish it around your mouth and spit it out. This is suitable for adults and older children who can spit it out safely.
- Use a cold compress. Wrap an ice pack or bag of frozen peas in a tea towel and hold it against your cheek for up to 15 minutes at a time.
- Avoid trigger foods before bed, such as sweets, fizzy drinks and very hot or cold food and drinks.
- Try a numbing gel from a pharmacy, which can numb the area for a short time. Check the age guidance on the packet.
- Brush gently and clean between your teeth to remove trapped food that may be causing pain.
- Keep your mind busy with an audiobook or podcast while the painkiller starts to work.
Tip: Taking a painkiller about 30 minutes before you go to bed, as directed on the packet, can help it work before you try to sleep.
What Not to Do
- Do not put aspirin or crushed tablets directly on the gum or tooth.
- Do not take more painkillers than the packet says, or mix medicines without checking with a pharmacist.
- Do not apply heat to a swollen face, as it can make an infection worse.
- Do not ignore toothache that keeps coming back, even if it settles for a while.
When to Get Help
| Situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| Toothache lasting more than 2 days | Book an appointment with a dentist |
| Pain not controlled by painkillers | Contact a dentist or call NHS 111 |
| High temperature, pain when biting, red or swollen gums, or a bad taste in your mouth | Contact a dentist or NHS 111 as soon as possible |
| Swelling spreading to your eye or neck, or trouble breathing, swallowing or speaking | Go to A&E or call 999 |
You can find an NHS dentist near you using the NHS Find a dentist service. Out of hours, NHS 111 can tell you where to get urgent dental care. For more details, see the NHS guidance on toothache.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is toothache worse when lying down?
Lying flat increases blood flow to your head, which adds pressure to an inflamed tooth and can make the throbbing feel stronger.
How should I sleep with toothache?
Sleep with your head raised on an extra pillow, take a painkiller as directed before bed and avoid eating sugary food late in the evening.
Does salt water help toothache?
A warm salt water rinse can help clean the area and soothe sore gums for a short time. It does not treat the cause of the pain.
Can I go to A&E for toothache?
A&E is for serious problems, such as swelling that spreads to your eye or neck or difficulty breathing or swallowing. For other toothache, contact a dentist or NHS 111.
Can toothache go away on its own?
Mild sensitivity can settle, but toothache caused by decay, a crack or an infection usually needs treatment from a dentist.
Final Thoughts
Toothache at night can be exhausting, but a few simple steps can help you rest: painkillers taken as directed, a raised head, a salt water rinse and a cold compress. These measures only ease the pain for a while, so book a dentist appointment as soon as you can, and get urgent help if you notice swelling or feel unwell.
