I have severe toothache at night: how can I relieve it?
Your usual painkiller, following the leaflet, and keeping your head raised can bring relief in the meantime. Contact the practice as soon as it opens: the cause needs treating.
Dental emergencies
Severe toothache at night is often linked to inflammation of the nerve of the tooth. It tends to get worse when you lie down, because the increased blood flow to the head raises the pressure inside the tooth.
Until you can see the dentist, you can take a painkiller you are used to taking, following the leaflet and any contraindications you have, sleep with your head raised, avoid hot and cold on the tooth, and apply something cold to the cheek. Do not place a tablet directly on the gum.
Contact the practice as soon as it opens. Even if the pain settles, the underlying problem remains and can develop into an abscess.
If the pain comes with a fever, swelling spreading towards the eye or neck, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or bleeding that will not stop, go to the hospital emergency department without delay.
This is a general answer. Only a consultation at the practice can tell what suits your situation.
Other questions in this section
- I have an abscess or a swollen cheek: what should I do?
- I have broken a tooth: what should I do?
- A tooth has come out after a knock: what should I do?
- My crown or filling has come out: what should I do?
- My temporary crown has come off: is it serious?
- I am still in pain several days after an extraction: is that normal?
- The treatment in detail : Dental emergency
- See the whole section
- All frequently asked questions