What to Do If You Have a Toothache at Night in La Mirada

Toothaches always seem to happen at the worst times—often late at night when your dental office is closed. The pain can be sharp, throbbing, or constant, making it hard to sleep or even concentrate. If you’re wondering what to do if you have a toothache at night in La Mirada, here’s a step-by-step guide to finding relief until you can see your dentist.

Step 1: Rinse Your Mouth

Start with a gentle rinse to clean the area:

• Use warm salt water (½ teaspoon salt in 8 ounces of water) to reduce bacteria and swelling.

• Avoid very hot or very cold water, as this can trigger more pain if your tooth is sensitive.

Step 2: Floss Carefully Around the Tooth

Sometimes, a toothache is caused by food stuck between your teeth or gums. Gently floss around the painful tooth to remove any trapped particles.

Step 3: Apply a Cold Compress

If your toothache is accompanied by swelling, place an ice pack or cold compress on the outside of your cheek for 10–15 minutes at a time. This can reduce pain and inflammation.

Step 4: Take Over-the-Counter Pain Relief

Medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage pain temporarily. Be sure to follow the directions on the label and avoid exceeding the recommended dose.

Step 5: Elevate Your Head While Sleeping

Lying flat can increase blood flow to your head, worsening tooth pain. Try propping your head up with an extra pillow to ease discomfort until morning.

Step 6: Avoid Trigger Foods and Drinks

Stay away from very hot, cold, or sugary foods and drinks, which can make tooth pain worse. Stick with lukewarm water and soft, neutral foods if you need to eat.

When to Call an Emergency Dentist

Not all toothaches can wait until morning. You should seek emergency dental care right away if you notice:

• Severe or throbbing pain that doesn’t go away

• Swelling in your face or jaw

• Fever or signs of infection

• Broken teeth or lost fillings/crowns

• Pain after trauma or injury to your mouth

Delaying treatment can lead to more serious issues, including the need for root canal therapy or even tooth extraction.

Professional Treatment Options

When you visit La Mirada One Dental for a toothache, our team will carefully examine the cause and recommend the right treatment, which may include:

• Dental fillings to repair cavities

• Crowns to strengthen cracked or weakened teeth

• Root canal therapy to remove infection and save your tooth

• Emergency extractions if the tooth cannot be restored

Don’t Let Nighttime Tooth Pain Disrupt Your Life

A nighttime toothache can be alarming, but knowing how to manage it until you see your dentist can make a big difference. At La Mirada One Dental, we provide compassionate and effective care to relieve pain and restore your smile.

👉 If you’re dealing with a severe toothache, don’t wait—contact our office for emergency dental care.