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Question and answer

How to ease toothache pain at night

At night, toothache may be eased briefly by keeping the head raised, avoiding triggers, rinsing gently, and using suitable over-the-counter pain relief, bu

The short answer

At night, toothache may be eased briefly by keeping the head raised, avoiding triggers, rinsing gently, and using suitable over-the-counter pain relief, but the cause still needs treatment.

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What is the direct answer?

What does this question mean?

Toothache can come from decay, an inflamed pulp, a crack, exposed dentine, gum disease, or an abscess.

What can you do next?

Rinse after food, use a cold compress outside the cheek, avoid heat and placing tablets on the tooth, and follow the medicine label.

When should you seek dental care?

Seek urgent care for swelling, fever, pus, injury, a broken tooth, or difficulty swallowing or breathing, and book care for pain that returns.

What should you ask the dentist?

Ask whether the pulp, root, gum, crack, or bite is responsible and whether the tooth needs a filling, root canal treatment, drainage, or removal.

Frequently asked questions

Can this be treated at home?

Rinse after food, use a cold compress outside the cheek, avoid heat and placing tablets on the tooth, and follow the medicine label.

What would a dentist check?

Ask whether the pulp, root, gum, crack, or bite is responsible and whether the tooth needs a filling, root canal treatment, drainage, or removal.