Toothache in the Middle of the Night? Here’s What to Do

It’s late. You’re fast asleep. Then suddenly, a sharp jolt shoots through your jaw. A toothache in the middle of the night can be extremely distressing and might even overwhelm you. With everyone else sleeping and the dental office closed, all you can think about is: how do I get rid of the pain?

Don’t panic. While tooth pain can be a sign of a more serious underlying problem, a few simple steps right away can help reduce pain and control the damage. At Lynnwood Dental Studio, we are committed to sharing the correct and helpful information to help our patients deal with dental emergencies, such as sudden dental pain at night, until professional support is available.

In this guide, you’ll find:

• Why night toothaches are the most painful

• Common causes of a toothache at night

• How to give yourself temporary relief

• When to call a dentist immediately

Why Toothaches Seem Worse at Night

Tooth pain often feels more severe at night. Here’s why:

• When sleeping, you’re lying down, which increases blood flow to your head, making pain feel stronger.

• Fewer distractions and noise mean you focus more on the pain.

• People who grind or clench their teeth during sleep often experience more intense pain.

If you wake up at night feeling sudden pain, it doesn’t necessarily mean the problem is new. The condition might have been developing for some time and only became severe enough just now to cause the sudden pain, which is your body’s way of getting attention.

Common Causes of Sudden Toothache in the Middle of the Night

Not all toothaches are a result of some underlying problem, but most of them are. Depending on the severity of pain, from dull or throbbing to sharp or stabbing, there can be numerous potential reasons for a toothache middle of night:

1. Cavities (Tooth Decay)

The most common reason for a sudden, throbbing tooth pain is a cavity or decay. When decay reaches the nerves of your tooth, it causes sensitivity and pain. This can also happen when consuming sweets, hot drinks, or cold water.

2. Dental Abscess (Infection)

A bacterial infection, usually in the form of a pocket of pus, can cause severe stabbing pain and swelling, which can sometimes lead to fever. This is a dental emergency and demands immediate help.

3. Cracked or Broken Tooth

A broken or cracked tooth can also cause sudden pain at night. This is because a fracture in a tooth can expose nerves, triggering pain.

4. Gum Disease (Periodontitis)

Periodontitis can cause inflammation or receding of gums, exposing roots that are extremely sensitive to temperature and touch.

5. Exposed or Disfigured Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth can sometimes erupt at odd angles or in disfigured shapes, pushing against other teeth or gums and causing pressure and sudden pain.

6. Sinus Infection

Sinus infection is also a common cause of a toothache. This happens when sinus pressure starts pressing on the upper teeth.

7. Recent Dental Work

Dental treatments, especially surgical procedures, implants, root canals, etc., may cause temporary pain for a few days. The pain is usually more intense at night.

First Aid for Toothache at Night

Now that you have some idea about what may be causing your toothache in the middle of the night, let’s talk about what you can do to manage pain, at least until you get to see a dentist. Here are safe, effective ways to find instant relief from tooth pain.

1. Apply a Cold Compress

Hold an ice pack or a bag of frozen vegetables against your cheek for about 15–20 minutes. Do it again until the pain subsides. This will likely reduce swelling and dull the pain.

2. Take Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers

If available, take Ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) to get instant comfort from pain. Always follow instructions for the recommended dosage.

3. Rinse With Warm Salt Water

Rinse your mouth with warm salt water. Avoid hot water; it can burn your mouth and increase pain.

Fill your mouth with water and rinse gently for about 30 seconds, then spit. This may reduce inflammation.

4. Keep Your Head Elevated

Avoid lying flat, as it can cause you to feel more pain due to all the blood rushing to your head. Use an extra pillow to elevate your head.

5. Use Clove Oil (Home Remedy)

If OTC painkillers are not available, one of the most effective remedies for a toothache is clove oil. Apply a small amount of diluted clove oil to the tooth. Eugenol in clove oil acts as a natural pain reliever.

6. Maintain Gentle Oral Hygiene

Until you can visit the dentist, brush and floss carefully and regularly to maintain oral hygiene. Avoid brushing directly over the sore tooth.

7. Avoid Cold/Hot Food

Avoid foods that can trigger or increase pain, including very hot, cold, or sugary items. Take soft, preferably watery foods such as porridge until you see a dentist.

When Should You Seek Emergency Dental Care?

Some toothaches are too severe to wait until morning. There are symptoms that signal a dental emergency. Contact or visit your dentist immediately if you notice:

• Intense, throbbing pain that doesn’t subside even with painkillers

• Swelling in your face, jaw, or neck

• Sudden fever or chills due to tooth pain

• Difficulty or pain while breathing or swallowing

• Pus discharge from the gums

• A knocked-out or bleeding tooth

Don’t wait until morning if you see any of these signs. At Lynnwood Dental Studio, we provide emergency dental assistance for patients in need. Call us to discuss your condition or seek emergency help. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Long-Term Treatment for Toothaches

Temporary relief such as over-the-counter medicines or clove oil can help you sleep through the night, but professional consultation is essential, especially if the pain doesn’t go away completely by the morning. Here are some potential treatment options your dentist may recommend based on the cause and condition:

Fillings – for cavities

Root canal therapy – to save the tooth if there’s infected pulp

Antibiotics – to control the spread of infection

Crowns – to support cracked or loose teeth

Extractions – if the damage is beyond repair

Deep cleaning – for gum disease

How to Prevent Nighttime Toothaches

Prevention is the best cure. Here are a few ways to lower the risk of toothaches at night:

• Brush twice daily

• Floss everyday

• Avoid sugary foods and drinks, especially before sleep

• Use a mouthguard if you grind your teeth

• Do not skip routine dental checkups

When to Call Lynnwood Dental Studio

Pain is your body’s way of telling something is wrong. Do not ignore pain. Whether it’s minor discomfort or severe pain, our team at Lynnwood Dental Studio is here to help.

Call us right away if it’s a dental emergency. We offer same-day and emergency appointments to ensure you get instant relief from tooth pain.

Conclusion

Tooth pain in the middle of the night can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone or helpless. With a few basic steps, you can easily manage pain until a dentist is available.

At Lynnwood Dental Studio, we are committed to delivering toothache treatment in Lynnwood to restore your comfort and provide relief as soon as possible. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.