It can be hard to deal with toothaches in general, but when they hit during sleep, it adds a lot more frustration. For this and other reasons, sleep disturbances can also occur due to even minor distractions like little dental pain or discomfort. Then why is it that the pain of a toothache often bites harder during night hours, and what are your actions? In this article, we explain nighttime toothaches and what could be causing them. We also share some home remedies and how you can seek professional dental help.
Why Are Toothaches Worse at Night?
There is always a question as to why a toothache typically hurts more at night. Suppose you know why the pain is getting worse at night. In that case, you can take certain measures to avoid or lessen it before going into bed, hence making a peaceful sleep more likely. In that case, here we mention a few common reasons why you might feel that much more pain after the sun sets over:
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Blood Flow to the Head
When you rest, gravity encourages your blood to flow towards the head more than usual, which leads to increased pressure on swollen parts of the body, such as a tooth with an abscess. This, coupled with the added pressure, causes pain to feel more intense and harder to postpone.
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Less Distraction
Even just little aches can get out of hand if you do not have enough related activities that day to occupy your mind. All other distractions set aside, the most minimal discomfort becomes exaggerated multiple times as the brain focuses more and more on what pains.
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Natural Hormone Patterns
That is in part because pain-relieving hormones like cortisol tend to be lower at night, and you might notice them more often. The body begins to prepare for sleep by lowering cortisol levels and increasing inflammation, which makes pain sensors more sensitive.
Common Causes of Toothaches at Night
Most dental and body aches, in general, might have different sources, but they mostly send a signal to you that there is something out of place. Some of the common reasons are cavities, tooth decay, or gum disease, as they develop in sensitive portions of teeth. Grinding teeth during sleep, a condition known as bruxism, can erode enamel and lead to dentine or jaw soreness sensitivity. Teeth that are impacted or erupt, especially the third molars (wisdom teeth), can also cause an incredible amount of discomfort as they push up against nerves and other unhealthy teeth. Sinus infections can also cause tooth pain, especially in the upper molars, where sinus pressure is transmitted to the roots. By identifying what causes the pain, you can treat this part of your body and feel better:
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Tooth Decay and Cavities
Bacteria break down enamel. Sensitive stuff is left exposed inside the tooth, and it hurts. Without treatment, cavities decay more and tend to make themselves known during off-hours.
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Dental Abscesses
Abscesses are areas of infection located near the root of a tooth or in the space between teeth and gums. They tend to produce pain, which may come on at night with swelling and occasionally fever.
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Gum Disease
Inflammation from gum disease, such as gingivitis or periodontitis, can cause soreness and pain in the gums to worsen at night when lying down puts pressure on them.
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Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
If you grind your teeth in sleep, this puts pressure on the teeth and jaw muscles, which can lead to an overall sore or achy sensation by morning.
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Impacted Teeth
Nerves can pinch if they are placed under pressure by misaligned teeth, and wisdom teeth tend to cause a lot of discomfort as well. If this spreads to other teeth around the area, it can get worse.
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Sinus Infections
It happens that you have a toothache, and it is this or that, but in truth, it could be your sinus instead of the dental office. In upper teeth, in particular, there is room for sinus pressure to increase tooth discomfort.
Home Remedies for Nighttime Toothaches
Nighttime Toothaches make it impossible to sleep, but you can find a few home remedies if you are suffering from tooth pain. Using an ice pack on the cheek can also numb some of that pain and cut down a little bit of the swelling. Rinsing with warm salt water disinfects it by killing bacteria. Raising your head with an additional pillow might help as well since it will reduce blood flow to the sore spot. In some cases, over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen can be of assistance, and clove oil applied gently to the area will help as well.
Although these might help to ease the pain in that moment, they do not heal what is causing it. Tooth pain that persists or becomes severe usually means you need to see a dentist so the problem does not get any worse, and long-term relief can be enjoyed while protecting your oral health.
When to Seek Dental Treatment for a Toothache
Of course, if the nighttime toothache lasts more than a day or two, spreads to other locations, or comes with swelling, fever, or a bad taste in your mouth, it could indicate something serious like an infection or abscess. Discoloration may be more than just a cosmetic issue; it could signal decay or nerve damage that needs quick attention. These symptoms should be addressed by a professional to prevent complications, as they may worsen without treatment.
Professional Treatments for Toothaches
Toothache treatment options differ according to the cause. Fillings and sealants can be used to protect the tooth from additional decay, although usually for more minor gum disease. Should decay or infection reach the tooth’s pulp, root canal therapy can remove infected tissue and save the tooth. Extraction is required for severe cases, like impacted teeth, or sometimes a custom night guard can help relieve toothaches resulting from grinding. For infections, antibiotics are routinely given to kill any bacteria before additional interventions.
Preventing Toothaches at Night
The key to avoiding nighttime toothaches is taking care of our oral health proactively. By visiting your dentist two times a year for regular checkups, any issues that need attention can be addressed early. Brushing twice daily and flossing at least once helps remove harmful particles and bacteria from the surface of your teeth, creating a stronger defense against cavities. A night guard can help relieve pain and protect your teeth from the wear caused by grinding. Staying hydrated also matters, as saliva washes away bacteria and supports oral health, reducing the chances of pain interrupting your nights.
Conclusion
Night toothaches are usually much more than an annoyance; persistent pain at night can signal a serious issue that needs your dentist’s help. Home remedies may offer temporary relief to help you sleep, but if the pain continues, booking a dental appointment for a proper diagnosis and treatment is essential.
We know how disruptive toothaches can be at night. At Walk-In Dental Clinic, we offer emergency dental services and extended hours, and we are open early, late, and even on weekends! Reach out today! Let us help ease your nights and bring back your healthy smile. Understanding the causes, maintaining good oral hygiene, and seeking timely care can help you manage nighttime toothaches effectively.
