Why does toothache feel worse at night?
Toothache often feels worse at night because lying flat can make the pain throb more, and there are fewer daytime distractions. Toothache is pain in or around a tooth that often comes from decay, a cracked tooth, gum problems or an infection (healthdirect).
Healthdirect advises resting with your head propped up on a pillow, because lying flat can sometimes make dental pain feel worse (healthdirect). The Australian Dental Association also lists pain that keeps you up at night among problems that need a health professional straight away (teeth.org.au).
Night pain does not tell you the exact cause on its own. Only an examination can do that. If toothache is waking you, arrange to see a dentist rather than waiting for it to settle on its own.
What can I do until I can see a dentist?
Until you can see a dentist, keep your mouth clean, rest with your head raised, and ask a pharmacist or doctor about over-the-counter pain relief that is suitable for you. Healthdirect’s self-care tips for toothache include brushing with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste after meals, eating foods that are less hard to chew, avoiding very hot or very cold drinks, resting with your head propped up, rinsing with salt water (do not swallow it), and using a cold compress wrapped in a cloth on the outside of your cheek (healthdirect).
Steps that may help while you wait:
- Brush after meals with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste
- Clean around the sore tooth with a soft toothbrush and light pressure, including between teeth if food may be trapped
- Rest with your head raised on an extra pillow
- Rinse with warm salt water and spit it out
- Place a cold compress on the outside of your cheek for short periods
- Ask a pharmacist or doctor about pain-relief medicines such as paracetamol or ibuprofen; always follow the packet directions
Home care can help you get through the night. It is not a substitute for dental treatment, and it does not fix the cause. Healthdirect notes that antibiotics are usually not used for a toothache unless there is a clear infection, and the ADA explains that toothache is not always caused by an infection — a dentist needs to find the cause (healthdirect; teeth.org.au). Do not start antibiotics unless a doctor or dentist has prescribed them for you.
For injuries such as a knocked-out or badly broken tooth, follow the first-aid steps on our what to do in a dental emergency guide rather than this night-pain self-care list.
When should I call a dentist urgently vs go to hospital?
Call a dentist urgently for toothache that lasts more than two days, does not improve with pain relief, or comes with fever, swelling in the cheek or jaw, pain when biting, or a bad taste. Go to hospital or call 000 if breathing, speaking or swallowing is affected, or if swelling spreads toward the eye or neck (healthdirect).
| Situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| Toothache lasting more than 2 days, or not improving with pain relief | Call a dentist as soon as possible |
| Fever above 38°C, cheek or jaw swelling, pain when biting, bad taste | Call a dentist promptly |
| Trouble breathing, speaking or swallowing | Call 000 or go to hospital now |
| Swelling around the eye or neck | Call 000 or go to hospital now |
| Outside opening hours, unsure where to go | Call healthdirect 1800 022 222 (24 hours) |
Concord Repatriation General Hospital has an emergency department close to Mortlake. For life-threatening emergencies, call 000.
During opening hours, call AMK Dental Clinic on (02) 9739 6525 rather than booking online, so we can understand your symptoms. Friday mornings are set aside for dental emergencies — see our emergency dentist page. Outside hours, use healthdirect, then call us when we next open. Opening hours are on the Contact page.
What happens at an emergency dental visit at AMK?
At an emergency dental visit at AMK Dental Clinic, the dentist asks about your symptoms, examines the affected area, takes X-rays if needed, and explains options to relieve pain or stabilise the tooth. Treatment depends on the cause and may include a filling, other restorative care, or a plan for further visits such as root canal treatment or removal of a tooth if it is badly infected (healthdirect).
If treatment is recommended, you receive an itemised written estimate before anything goes ahead. Your dentist will discuss the benefits, risks and alternatives with you so you can decide what suits you. Results vary between people. Many emergency visits are followed by a second appointment to complete care within general dentistry.
This page is general information only. It is not a personal diagnosis or treatment plan. Your dentist will discuss what is suitable for you.
Getting help for toothache in Mortlake
AMK Dental Clinic is at Shop 3, 46 Tennyson Road, Mortlake NSW 2137. We serve patients from Mortlake and nearby suburbs including Breakfast Point, Cabarita, Concord, Rhodes and North Strathfield.
For toothache that needs prompt care, call (02) 9739 6525. For trauma first aid (knocked-out or broken teeth), read what to do in a dental emergency and our emergency dentist service page. When you are ready, contact us or call — at a time that suits you.
This article is general information only and is not a substitute for advice about your own situation. Please speak with a dentist about your needs.
Common questions
Why does toothache feel worse when I lie down?
Lying flat can make dental pain feel stronger because more blood settles in the head and the sore area can throb more. Healthdirect suggests resting with your head propped up on a pillow until you can see a dentist. Raise your head, keep the mouth clean, and book an appointment rather than waiting nights out. Call AMK Dental Clinic on (02) 9739 6525 if pain is keeping you awake.
Can I take pain relief for toothache at night?
Ask a pharmacist or doctor which over-the-counter pain-relief medicine is suitable for you, and always follow the directions on the packet. Healthdirect notes that paracetamol or ibuprofen may be discussed for toothache pain. Pain relief can help you rest; it does not treat the cause. See a dentist if toothache lasts more than two days or does not improve with pain relief.
When is night toothache a reason to go to hospital?
Go to hospital or call 000 if toothache comes with trouble breathing, speaking or swallowing, or swelling around the eye or neck. Those signs need urgent medical care, not a routine dental booking. Concord Repatriation General Hospital is close to Mortlake. For severe pain without those red flags, call AMK Dental Clinic or healthdirect 1800 022 222 after hours.