Toothache nearly always feels worse at night. There is a real reason: when you lie down, more blood flows to your head, which increases pressure on the inflamed nerve inside the tooth. With fewer distractions in the dark, the pain also feels louder. Here is what actually helps tonight - and what to skip.
What helps right now
- Take an over-the-counter painkiller as directed (ibuprofen works well for dental pain if you can take it)
- Keep your head propped up on extra pillows to reduce pressure
- Rinse gently with warm salt water to clear debris and calm the gum
- Hold a cold compress on the cheek for 15 minutes at a time
- If a cavity is trapping food, gently floss the area to remove it
- Clove oil dabbed on the tooth can numb it temporarily
What to avoid
Don't place an aspirin tablet directly on the gum - it burns the tissue. Avoid very hot, very cold or sugary foods on that side, and don't apply heat to the face if there is any swelling (heat helps infection spread). These measures buy you comfort, but they do not treat the cause - a painful tooth almost always needs a dentist.
Why the pain is happening
Throbbing, lingering pain usually means the nerve is inflamed or infected - often from a deep cavity or a cracked tooth - and typically needs a root canal to save the tooth. Sharp pain on biting can be a crack; a dull ache at the back may be a wisdom tooth. Sensitivity that fades in seconds is usually less serious - our sensitive teeth guide covers that.
When to get seen urgently
See a dentist the same day if you have facial swelling, fever, pain that painkillers don't touch, a knocked-out or broken tooth, or trouble swallowing. These can be signs of a spreading infection. Our emergency dentist guide for East Delhi walks through each situation. We see urgent patients from Mayur Vihar Phase 1, Mayur Vihar Phase 2, Patparganj, IP Extension, Preet Vihar, Noida and Indirapuram.
Got through the night? Don't let the pain settle and then ignore it - the underlying problem is still there. Book an appointment as early as you can so we can treat the cause before it flares again.