Why Is Toothache Worse at Night?
- maykon018
- Mar 15
- 3 min read
5 Key Reasons You Should Know and Valuable Tips to Find Relief
Toothaches are never pleasant, but have you ever noticed how they seem to intensify at night? You're not alone. Many people experience worse pain in the evening, leaving them tossing and turning, unable to sleep. Understanding why this happens can help you manage the discomfort and get the rest you need.
Let’s look into the top five reasons why toothaches feel worse at night.
1. Lying Down Increases Blood Flow to the Head
One of the main reason toothaches become more severe at night is due to your body’s position. When you lie down, more blood rushes to your head. This increased blood flow puts extra pressure on the sensitive, inflamed areas of your mouth, making the pain feel more intense.
Tip: To alleviate the pressure, try propping yourself up with extra pillows and sleeping in a slightly elevated position. This can help reduce blood flow to your head and lessen the throbbing pain.
2. Fewer Distractions at Night
During the day, you're busy with work, school, or household chores, and these distractions help keep your mind off the pain. At night, when everything is quiet, you have fewer distractions. The focus shifts to the toothache, and it can feel far worse than it actually is, simply because you’re more aware of it.
Tip: Engaging in a relaxing activity like reading or listening to calming music before bed might help keep your mind off the pain.
3. Hormonal Changes at Night
Your body’s natural hormonal fluctuations can also play a role. Your body's peak production of cortisol is in the morning—a hormone that helps reduce inflammation. However, at night, cortisol levels drop, leading to an increase in inflammation. This can cause your toothache to flare up and feel more painful.
Tip: Consider taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication (as advised by your doctor or dentist) before bedtime to help manage the inflammation and ease the pain.
4. Grinding Teeth or Clenching Jaw (Bruxism)
Many people grind their teeth or clench their jaws unknowingly, especially at night. This condition, known as bruxism, can put additional pressure on your teeth, leading to increased tooth sensitivity and pain. The stress of clenching can aggravate an existing toothache or inflamed gums, making it feel worse at night.
Tip: If you suspect you might be grinding your teeth, talk to your dentist about getting a nightguard. This simple device can protect your teeth and reduce the discomfort caused by bruxism.
5. Late-Night Snacking or Drinking
Eating or drinking sugary or acidic foods before bed can exacerbate a toothache. Leftover food particles or sugar can irritate the inflamed area, particularly if the toothache is due to decay. If you don’t brush and floss after snacking, the bacterial activity in your mouth may cause further irritation, making the toothache feel worse as the night goes on.
Tip: Avoid eating sugary snacks before bedtime, and make sure to brush and floss thoroughly to remove any food debris. This can help prevent your toothache from becoming more painful overnight.
Finding Relief from Nighttime Toothache: Your Next Steps.
Toothaches feeling worse at night is a common issue, but understanding the reasons behind it can help you find relief. Whether it's due to blood flow, fewer distractions, or nighttime habits like teeth grinding or late night snacking, there are ways to manage the pain and improve your sleep. However, remember that a toothache usually indicates a bigger problem that requires immediate dental attention.
If you're struggling with persistent toothache, download the Easy Dental App today! Get 24/7 access to Emma, our AI Oral Health Assistant, for advice on toothaches and other dental concerns. Emma can help guide you through your symptoms and recommend the next steps to relieve your discomfort and maintain a healthy smile. Don’t let a toothache ruin your sleep—take control of your dental health! #LoveYourSmile