A toothache at night can be particularly troublesome, often making sleeping difficult and causing discomfort that can last for hours. While tooth pain can occur at any time of the day, many people find that their toothache pain worsens at night. Whether it’s the result of tooth decay, an infected tooth, wisdom teeth, or other underlying dental issues, knowing the causes and how to relieve nighttime tooth pain is important for managing the discomfort and getting a good night’s sleep.
This article will explore the potential causes of nighttime toothache, how to relieve tooth pain, and when to see a dentist. We’ll also discuss home remedies that can provide temporary relief and help you fall asleep without constant discomfort.
Why Toothaches Tend to Get Worse at Night
There are several reasons why toothaches tend to worsen at night, and understanding these reasons can help you manage the pain and discomfort. One of the main factors is how blood flow and blood vessels function when lying down. Here’s why your tooth pain might be worse when you go to bed:
1. Increased Blood Flow
When you lie down, blood flow to your head increases, exacerbating the pain in your affected tooth. The increased blood flow may cause inflammation in the tooth or surrounding gums, making the pain more intense. Due to this change in blood vessels and blood flow, the throbbing sensation commonly associated with toothache pain is often more noticeable at night.
2. Lack of Distraction
During the day, you’re busy with activities that distract you from discomfort, such as work or socializing. At night, however, you’re more likely to focus on the pain as there are fewer distractions, and the quiet of the night can make the pain feel more intense.
3. Lying Down Can Increase Pressure
When you lie flat, the pressure on your gums and teeth may increase, aggravating the pain. Whether it’s from tooth sensitivity, tooth decay, or a broken tooth, the pressure from lying down can make the painful tooth more sensitive and uncomfortable. If you have an infected tooth, the bacteria may multiply rapidly at night, increasing discomfort.
4. Positioning of the Jaw
If you have issues like jaw pain or a mouth or jaw injury, how your jaw rests at night can impact the severity of your toothache. Additionally, wisdom teeth that are coming in or causing impaction may cause more pain as the position of your jaw changes when you lie down to sleep.
Common Causes of Toothache at Night
There are various causes of nighttime toothache. Here are some of the most common reasons why toothaches occur, especially at night:
1. Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is among the most common causes of tooth pain and nighttime toothache. As tooth decay progresses, it can reach the sensitive nerve endings within the tooth pulp, causing significant pain. Toothaches due to decay can be intermittent, often becoming more intense at night due to the abovementioned reasons.
2. Gum Disease
Gum or periodontal disease can also cause toothaches, especially at night. When the gums become inflamed due to bacterial growth, they can cause discomfort that worsens when lying down. Swelling, bleeding gums, and an unpleasant taste in the mouth often accompany the pain. Gum infection can lead to tooth sensitivity, making it painful to eat or drink.
3. Wisdom Teeth Erupting
Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars to emerge in your mouth, and they often cause tooth pain as they push through the gums. If your wisdom teeth are impacted or growing in at an angle, they can cause pressure on the surrounding teeth, resulting in nighttime tooth pain. The discomfort may intensify as the tooth moves, leading to painful tooth and jaw irritation.
4. Tooth Sensitivity
Even everyday activities like drinking a cold beverage or brushing your teeth can cause discomfort if you have sensitive teeth. At night, the absence of distractions can make tooth sensitivity more noticeable. This sensitivity may worsen with tooth decay or gum disease, making the pain more pronounced.
5. Dental Abscess
A dental abscess is a serious condition when a tooth infection causes pus to build up at the tip of the tooth root. The infection can spread to the surrounding tissues, leading to intense pain. Dental abscesses can cause severe tooth pain that may worsen at night due to blood flow and pressure changes.
6. Mouth or Jaw Injury
An injury to the mouth or jaw can cause pain, which may worsen at night. Even minor injuries can lead to swelling, bruising, or discomfort, which can affect the teeth and cause pain when lying down. The jaw’s position can also aggravate the pain of a previous injury, making the discomfort worse during the night.
7. Sinus Infection
Sometimes, sinus infections or pressure can cause pain in the upper teeth, as the sinuses are near the upper jaw. This type of tooth pain can be mistaken for a toothache, which may worsen at night when the pressure in the sinuses increases.
How to Relieve Toothache at Night
While it’s important to visit a dentist for proper diagnosis and treatment of the underlying cause of your toothache, a few home remedies can help relieve tooth pain and reduce inflammation at night.
1. Use Pain Medication
Over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help relieve tooth pain and reduce inflammation. Follow the label instructions for the appropriate dosage, and take the medication before bed to help ease the pain and improve your chances of getting a good night’s sleep.
2. Cold Compress or Ice Pack
Applying a cold compress or ice pack to the outside of your cheek near the painful tooth can help reduce swelling and numb the area, providing temporary relief. A cold compress can be especially helpful if the pain is due to swelling or an injury.
3. Elevate Your Head
Lying down can increase the intensity of your toothache due to the increased blood flow to your head. With the help of an extra pillow, head-elevated sleeping positions can help reduce the throbbing sensation and discomfort. This can help minimize toothache pain and make it easier to fall asleep.
4. Salt Water Rinse
A salt water rinse is a simple and effective way to reduce swelling and promote healing. Mix half a teaspoon of salt in warm water and swish it around your mouth for 30 seconds. This can help clean the area, reduce gum infection, and ease discomfort.
5. Clove Oil
Clove oil contains eugenol, a natural anesthetic that can help numb the area around the painful tooth. Apply a small amount of clove oil directly to the affected area using a cotton ball or swab. This can temporarily relieve tooth pain and help you get through the night.
6. Avoid Certain Foods
If you have tooth sensitivity or a broken tooth, avoid consuming hard foods or drinking hot or cold beverages before bed. These can irritate the sensitive parts of the tooth and cause more painful tooth sensations. Stick to soft foods that won’t aggravate the affected tooth.
7. Use a Night Guard
If your toothache at night is caused by teeth grinding, using a night guard can help protect your teeth from the pressure and reduce discomfort. Night guards are available over-the-counter or can be custom-made by your dentist to fit your teeth.
When to See a Dentist
While home remedies can help with temporary relief, it’s important to see a dentist if your toothache at night persists or if you experience the following symptoms:
- Severe pain that doesn’t improve
- Swelling in the face or jaw
- Fever or chills
- Bleeding gums or pus
- Tooth damage, such as a broken tooth
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
A dentist will conduct a thorough exam to determine the cause of your toothache and recommend the best treatment. If tooth decay, an infected tooth, or gum disease causes the pain, your dentist may recommend treatments such as fillings, root canals, or antibiotics to address the underlying issue.
Conclusion
A toothache at night can be incredibly disruptive and uncomfortable, but understanding the causes and how to relieve tooth pain can help you manage the situation until you can see a dentist. Whether it’s tooth decay, wisdom teeth, or another issue, the pain often worsens at night due to changes in blood flow and blood vessels and the lack of distractions.
Cold compresses, pain medication, and saltwater rinses can offer temporary relief while you await professional care. It is important to follow up with a dentist if your toothache persists, worsens, or has more serious symptoms. Proper dental treatment will address the underlying cause of your toothache, helping you regain pain-free living and a good night’s sleep.
References
https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-get-rid-of-toothache-at-night
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326133
https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/mouth/toothache/
