Why Do Toothaches Get Worse at Night? Understanding Nighttime Dental Pain
If you’ve ever experienced a toothache that seems manageable during the day but becomes unbearable at night, you’re not alone. At Emergency & Walk-In Dentist Cardiff, we frequently see patients with this exact problem. This guide explains the science behind nighttime tooth pain and what you can do about it.
5 Reasons Your Toothache Intensifies at Night
1. Blood Flow Changes When Lying Down
When you lie down to sleep, more blood flows to your head. This increased circulation:
- Creates extra pressure on sensitive nerves in your teeth
- Can make existing inflammation feel more painful
- Explains why elevating your head sometimes helps
For severe cases, our emergency root canal treatment may be necessary to relieve pressure.
2. Fewer Distractions at Night
During daytime hours, your brain processes many stimuli that can distract from pain. At night:
- Your environment is quieter
- You’re less physically active
- Your brain focuses more on the pain signals
This is why even minor toothaches can feel severe when trying to sleep.
3. Natural Cortisol Levels Drop
Cortisol, your body’s natural anti-inflammatory hormone:
- Is highest in the morning
- Decreases throughout the day
- Reaches its lowest point at night
With less cortisol to reduce inflammation, conditions like dental abscesses often hurt more at night.
4. Nighttime Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
Many people unconsciously grind their teeth at night, which can:
- Aggravate existing dental problems
- Crack teeth or fillings (requiring emergency repair)
- Cause jaw pain that radiates to teeth
5. Delayed Treatment Seeking
Many people wait until pain becomes unbearable before seeking help. By nighttime:
- Infections have had more time to develop
- Small cavities may have reached nerves
- Cracks may have expanded
Emergency Relief for Nighttime Tooth Pain
Immediate Home Remedies:
- Elevate your head with extra pillows
- Apply a cold compress to your cheek
- Rinse with warm salt water
- Take over-the-counter pain relief (following package instructions)
When to Seek Emergency Care:
- Pain preventing sleep for more than one night
- Visible swelling in your face or gums
- Signs of infection like fever or bad taste
- Broken tooth or lost filling
Suffering From Nighttime Tooth Pain?
Our emergency dentists in Cardiff are available to provide immediate relief when you need it most.
Book Emergency Appointment NowFrequently Asked Questions
Q: How can I sleep with severe tooth pain?
A: Try sleeping semi-upright, use a cold compress before bed, and take pain medication (if appropriate). For persistent pain, visit our emergency dental page for help.
Q: Can a toothache wake you up from sleep?
A: Yes, especially if there’s an abscess or nerve involvement. See our dental abscess treatment page if you suspect infection.
Q: Should I go to A&E for nighttime tooth pain?
A> Hospital A&E departments aren’t equipped for dental emergencies. Instead, book with our emergency dentists who specialize in after-hours dental care.
Preventing Nighttime Toothaches
Regular dental checkups can catch problems before they become painful emergencies. Consider:
- Routine exams to identify cavities early
- Custom night guards if you grind your teeth
- Prompt treatment for any dental discomfort
View our preventive treatments to maintain optimal oral health.
