My Toothache Seems Worse at Nighttime: What Should I Do?

Toothaches can be frustrating—and they often have the annoying knack of occurring when it’s least convenient! But have you ever experienced a toothache that seemed to become worse at nighttime? Needless to say, this can make it quite difficult to get a good night’s rest. Here’s more from your dentist about what causes tooth pain to worsen at nighttime, along with some tips for alleviating your discomfort and getting back to bed.

What Causes Toothaches to Worsen at Night?

Here’s a closer look at a few of the most common explanations for tooth pain worsening at night:

• Late-night snacking – If you’re snacking around bedtime, you’re giving bacteria the chance to wreak havoc inside your mouth while you sleep. If you don’t brush your teeth before bedtime, the sugary and starchy particles from snacks will remain on your teeth until the morning.
• Increased circulation – When you lie down, more blood is able to rush to your brain. This increase in circulation equates to experiencing more tooth pain.
• Bruxism – If you’re prone to grinding or clenching your teeth, the unconscious habit can cause all kinds of issues including jaw pain and sensitivity.
• Broken teeth or dental appliances – Sometimes cracked teeth or damaged restorations and dental appliances don’t hurt throughout the day but feel uncomfortable at night due to excess pressure.
• Unaddressed oral health issues – Issues such as cavities and gum disease can also flare up and cause discomfort at night.  
• Fewer distractions – At night there are simply fewer distractions to take your mind off of your tooth pain, which might make your discomfort seem worse than it is.

Is There Anything I Can Do to Alleviate My Tooth Pain?

You should know that when it comes to toothaches, the pain you’re feeling is a symptom of the problem—not the actual problem itself. This is what makes professional treatment so important; your dentist has the tools and knowledge to tackle whatever issue is causing your tooth pain to flare up at nighttime.

However, there are also things you can do at home to manage your discomfort before visiting your dentist. Consider the following:

• Use over-the-counter pain relievers as needed, such as anti-inflammatories like Ibuprofen.  
• Place a cold compress against the side of your mouth that hurts for 20 minutes at a time.
• If you have sinus pressure or a sinus infection, consider taking a decongestant.
• Sleep with your head elevated, using pillows to prop up your head.  
• Use safe at-home toothache remedies, such as lukewarm saltwater rinses or placing a teabag against the side of your gums.

It’s also worth mentioning that in any case, extreme pain, swelling, or persistent bleeding needs to be handled swiftly. Tooth pain isn’t something that should be needlessly endured or left to worsen; the pain is a sign that something’s wrong, and the problem won’t magically disappear on its own! That said, knowing what causes tooth pain and what exacerbates it during the nighttime can help you take steps to ensure that you’re getting comfortable, pain-free sleep moving forward.

About the Author

A native Texan, Dr. J. Lee Pettigrew received his DDS from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio before opening his practice in Southlake, where he’s proudly served patients and families for several decades! If you or a loved one is suffering from tooth pain, don’t hesitate to contact his practice for urgent care. Telephone: (817) 873-2507.