A sudden toothache at 11 PM feels like an emergency, and sometimes it is. If the pain keeps coming back, understanding the possible causes of a toothache and knowing when to seek professional help can make a difference. You can also learn more about common dental concerns and available treatments through this guide to managing dental problems.
Nighttime pain can feel worse for several reasons. When you lie down, changes in blood flow and pressure may make an already inflamed tooth feel more painful. Distractions disappear too, so you may notice the ache more.
The cause usually falls into one of a few groups:
- Deep decay that has reached the nerve, often causing a throbbing, spontaneous ache
- A cracked tooth that hurts when you bite or take something cold
- A gum or tooth abscess, which may come with swelling, a bad taste or fever
- An impacted wisdom tooth pressing on the tooth next to it
Until you can be seen, rinse with lukewarm salt water, sleep with your head slightly raised, and take a standard over-the-counter pain reliever as the label directs. Avoid placing aspirin directly on the gum, which can burn the tissue.
Seek urgent dental care if you notice facial swelling, trouble swallowing, or a fever. These can be signs that an infection is spreading.
The sooner a painful tooth is examined, the more treatment options you may have. Early treatment might involve a filling or root canal, while delaying care can sometimes lead to an extraction.