A toothache can be frustrating at any time, but it often feels worse at night—just when you’re trying to sleep! But why does this happen? If you’re struggling with nighttime tooth pain, keep reading. You’ll see the scientific reasons your toothache might intensify after dark and what you can do to ease the discomfort.
What Causes Nighttime Tooth Pain?
Your teeth are complex and connected to the rest of your body in intricate ways. Because of this, there are many different culprits that could be causing your tooth pain to flare up, especially at night. Here are some of the most common ones:
Changes in Blood Flow
One major reason toothaches feel worse at night is the way blood flow changes when you lie down. During the day, you’re usually upright, which helps regulate blood flow and keeps pressure from building up. At night, however, you lay flat. This increases blood flow to your head, which can make inflamed or irritated areas feel more sensitive.
Fewer Distractions
During the day, you’re likely busy with work, errands, or being social. These distractions can make it easier to ignore minor pain. At night, when everything is quiet and you’re lying still, you don’t have these distractions. Because of this, you can’t help but become more aware of every ache or twinge in your body—including your toothache!
Changes in Temperature
Most people sleep better in colder temperatures, usually around 60 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Not only can temperature affect the blood flow in your body, but cold air can irritate and trigger tooth pain more easily, especially if you have cavities.
Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
If you grind your teeth or clench your jaw while sleeping, it could also be contributing to your toothache. These habits, known as bruxism, can put extra stress on your teeth and worsen existing pain. The worst part is you may not even realize you’re doing it unless your dentist points it out during an exam!
Easing Tooth Pain at Night
Until you can see your dentist, here are a few tips to help manage your toothache at night:
- Sleep with Your Head Elevated: Use an extra pillow to prop your head up and reduce blood flow to the affected area and ease pressure.
- Rinse with Warm Saltwater: Salt has natural antibacterial properties that can soothe irritation and help reduce bacteria in your mouth.
- Use Generic Pain Relievers: Medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce inflammation and provide temporary relief.
- Apply a Cold Compress: Place an ice pack wrapped in a clean cloth on the outside of your cheek to numb the area and reduce swelling.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to find peace from tooth pain and sleep easier at night. However, if your toothache persists for more than a day or two, or if it’s accompanied by swelling, fever, or a bad taste in your mouth, it’s time to call your dentist! They can help you get relief and return to rest.
About the Practice
At Epic Family Dentistry of Carrollton, Dr. Afshin Azmoodeh and Dr. Sohee Kim understand how disruptive tooth pain can be, especially at night. They offer fast, effective care to help you find relief and get back to feeling your best. Don’t lose any more sleep over a toothache! Call (972) 820-7294 to schedule an emergency appointment with our experienced dental team or visit our website to explore a full menu of services.