What can I do about a toothache overnight?

Take over-the-counter painkillers at the stated dose and do not exceed it, keep your head raised, apply cold on the cheek rather than directly on the tooth, and avoid alcohol and hot baths — both increase blood flow and pain.

When is a toothache an emergency?

Facial or neck swelling, fever above 38°C, difficulty opening your mouth, or difficulty swallowing or breathing suggest spreading infection. Do not wait for morning: call #7119, or 119.

Toothache in Japan at night: emergency rooms will not treat it

If you develop a toothache at night in Japan, the emergency department is usually not the answer. Emergency medicine here is organised around internal medicine and surgery; few hospitals keep a dentist on site overnight.

The numbers are stark

Only 302 dental clinics in Japan are open past 22:00 on weekdays. By 20:00 the number rises to 6,348, out of 54,637 dental clinics nationwide.

Getting through the night

Over-the-counter painkillers, at the stated dose. Do not exceed it.
Keep your head raised — lying flat often makes throbbing worse.
Cold on the cheek, not directly on the tooth.
Avoid alcohol and hot baths; both increase blood flow and pain.

When it is no longer a dental problem

Facial or neck swelling, fever above 38°C, difficulty opening your mouth, difficulty swallowing or breathing — these suggest spreading infection. Do not wait for morning. Call #7119, or 119 if breathing is affected.

In the morning

Call as soon as clinics open. Many keep same-day slots for pain, and they fill within minutes. Larger cities also run weekend and holiday dental clinics through the local dental association — ask your accommodation to help you find one.

Find dental clinics near you

Browse by prefecture and filter for evening, Sunday or holiday opening.

Frequently asked questions

Will a Japanese emergency room treat a toothache?: Usually not. Emergency medicine in Japan is organised around internal medicine and surgery, and few hospitals keep a dentist on site.
How many dental clinics in Japan are open late?: Only 302 dental clinics are open past 22:00 on weekdays. By 20:00 the number rises to 6,348, out of 54,637 dental clinics nationwide.
What can I do about a toothache overnight?: Take over-the-counter painkillers at the stated dose and do not exceed it, keep your head raised, apply cold on the cheek rather than directly on the tooth, and avoid alcohol and hot baths — both increase blood flow and pain.
When is a toothache an emergency?: Facial or neck swelling, fever above 38°C, difficulty opening your mouth, or difficulty swallowing or breathing suggest spreading infection. Do not wait for morning: call #7119, or 119.