Toothache Keeping You Up? Here’s Why It Hurts More at Night

If you’ve ever had a toothache, you know the frustration of lying awake at night, unable to sleep because of the pain. But why does it seem so much worse at night? There are a few reasons why your dental discomfort might be more noticeable when the sun goes down! Continue reading to learn more about nighttime tooth pain and what can help you find relief until you can see your dentist.

Increased Blood Flow

When you put your head down at night, more blood flows toward it. This increase in blood circulation can cause the inflammation around your affected tooth to swell, putting pressure on the nerves and amplifying the pain. Unfortunately, the body’s natural response to lying flat can make even mild toothaches feel much more intense.

You’re in Your Own Head

During the day, you’re busy with work, family, and other activities, which can keep your mind off a toothache. But when night comes and things quiet down, the pain becomes harder to ignore. Without distractions, you become more focused on the discomfort, making it feel worse.

Change in Temperature

As the day transitions to night, the cooler temperatures might also contribute to your toothache. Teeth that are sensitive often react more strongly to cold, especially if you breathe through your mouth. If you notice your toothache worsening when the night cools down, temperature sensitivity could be the reason.

Late Night Snacking

If you snack late at night, especially on sugary or acidic foods, it can aggravate an existing toothache. Food particles left on or between your teeth can irritate an already sensitive area, making the pain feel worse. Be sure to brush your teeth and floss thoroughly before bed to reduce this risk.

What to Do for Relief

If you’re having trouble sleeping with your tooth pain, here are some steps you can take to relieve the discomfort until you see your dentist:

• Elevate Your Head: Sleeping with your head elevated can help reduce the pressure on your tooth and ease the pain.
• Use Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers: Medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage pain and inflammation until you can see your dentist.
• Cold Compress: Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to numb the area and reduce swelling.
• Rinse with Salt Water: A warm saltwater rinse can soothe irritated gums and help reduce bacteria around the affected tooth.

If your toothache is persistently in pain, it’s a sign that you should visit your dentist as soon as possible. Whether the discomfort is due to a cavity, infection, or another issue, taking care of it early can prevent more serious problems. Getting to the root of the issue and solving it fast will save your smile and help you get a good night’s sleep once again!

About the Author

Dr. Proshat Shahrestany is passionate about dentistry and strives to help her patients find relief when emergencies strike. She earned her dental doctorate at the prestigious UCLA School of Dentistry, tackling advanced studies in a variety of subjects. Today, she continues to stay ahead of the curve on dental techniques and technology through constant study. Call (818) 760-0200 to schedule an emergency appointment at Studio City Dental Arts or visit our website to see a full menu of the services we offer.