Toothache at night during pregnancy

Night-time toothache during pregnancy may reflect pulp inflammation or infection and should be assessed rather than masked at home.

Common causes include decay, a cracked filling or tooth, an abscess, gum inflammation, and food trapped around a tooth. The dentist checks the tooth, gum, bite, and nearby structures and may take a clinically indicated radiograph.

Keep your head slightly raised, rinse gently, remove trapped food with floss, and avoid extreme temperatures. Use pain medicine only after confirming the choice with your maternity clinician or dentist.

Seek prompt care if the pain repeatedly wakes you, lasts into the day, or comes with swelling, fever, a bad taste, or pain on biting. Breathing or swallowing difficulty requires emergency medical help.

Ask whether the pain suggests pulp inflammation, what tests are needed, which medicines fit your pregnancy, and whether the tooth needs a filling, root canal treatment, drainage, or removal.