Royal Bay Dental Co.

Toothaches At Midnight: How To Handle Dental Emergencies

Image
Image

By Royal Bay Dental Co. | February 27, 2025

Struggling to handle toothache pain at midnight? Knowing how to handle this situation before reaching a dentist is indeed essential. Understanding the causes, immediate remedies, and when to seek care can help you stay calm. The right steps might protect you from complete tooth loss on many occasions.

Read this blog to learn about the causes of sudden toothache and how you can handle it like a pro.

What Are The Common Causes of Midnight Toothaches?

Here are some factors that might make you experience a midnight toothache:

Cavities

Bacteria can break down your enamel and expose the inner sensitive layers of your tooth. These cavities can cause sharp, throbbing pain, especially at night, as the blood flow to your head increases, making the ache more noticeable.

Gum Disease

Gum issues like gingivitis and periodontitis can cause pain and swelling. When bacteria accumulate along the gumline, it might cause inflammation and pus formation, leading to discomfort at night.

Chipped Tooth

A tooth fracture can expose the nerve endings, causing severe pain. Even a minor crack can worsen your condition without timely intervention. The opening makes your teeth sensitive to hot and cold, making night unbearable.

Wisdom Tooth

Your wisdom tooth can cause pain if it becomes impacted or fails to erupt correctly. The swelling and ache can flare up at the most inconvenient times, like midnight.

What Steps Can You Relieve Pain?

Struck by toothache at midnight? These proactive steps can help you manage the ache until you can see an emergency dentist in Victoria. Here are some effective home remedies:

  • Mix half a teaspoon of salt with a warm glass of water and rinse your mouth with it for 30 seconds. It can help reduce the bacteria and painful inflammation.
  • Apply a cold compress to the affected area for 15-20 minutes to numb the pain. It might also reduce the swelling.
  • Medications like ibuprofen can reduce your pain. Follow the dosage instructions to avoid any side effects.
  • Certain oils, like clove oil, etc, can act as natural anesthetics. You can also choose numbing gels to get short-term relief.
  • Try to avoid sugary and acidic foods as they may cause unpredictable dental damage and pain. Stick to soft foods until you visit a dentist.

When Should You Seek Professional Dental Care?

While home remedies can temporarily help you in handling toothache at midnight, seeking emergency care is a necessity. Here are signs indicating a dental emergency:

  • Excessive bleeding that you can’t stop no matter what.
  • You should get professional care if you are experiencing severe swelling around your jaw and mouth and pain.
  • Oral infections can cause fever along with severe toothache.
  • Did you accidentally break your tooth? Only dentists can help you recover from this dental trauma.

It is always better to have a dentist on your speed dial. Choose professionals who will look after your dental needs irrespective of time. Timely intervention is necessary to keep your oral health intact.

Midnight toothaches can distress you. Knowing how to handle them can truly make a difference for you. Understanding the common causes and the immediate first-aid techniques can help you manage the pain. Experiencing recurring tooth pain? Don’t wait for an emergency, and schedule an appointment as soon as possible.

Ready to handle toothache like a pro? Contact us to book a consultation. 

New Patients & Emergency Appointments Welcome!