Why Do Toothaches Hurt More at Night?

A toothache at night​ can feel much worse than pain during the day. You might feel fine all day, but when you lie down, the pain gets stronger. Many people cannot sleep because of it. This guide helps you understand why it happens, how to stop it, and when to see a dentist. Getting the right care early can save your tooth and stop the pain from getting worse.

Why Do Toothaches Feel Worse at Night?

A toothache at night feels more painful for a few reasons. Each one adds to the discomfort and can make it hard to sleep. Here are the main reasons:

More Blood Flow to the Head

When you lie down at night, your body changes how it moves blood. More blood flows to your head than when you are sitting or standing. This extra blood puts pressure on the area around your sore tooth and makes the tooth hurt more. Lying flat can make the pain build up faster than during the day.

No Distractions

During the day, you have things to keep your mind busy. You talk to people, go to work, watch shows, listen to music, or play with your phone. All of these things take your attention away from the pain. At night, it’s quiet and still. There is nothing else for your brain to focus on, so you notice the pain more. Even a small ache can feel very strong when everything else is calm and silent.

Dry Mouth

Your mouth stays drier at night. When you sleep, your body makes less saliva. Saliva helps clean your mouth and wash away bacteria. Without enough saliva, your gums and teeth dry out. This makes the nerves in your teeth feel more exposed. The dry feeling can make your toothache at night feel sharper or more constant. If you sleep with your mouth open, it can feel even worse.

Less Pain Control in the Body

Your body makes a natural hormone that helps lower pain. This hormone is stronger during the day. At night, your body slows down and makes less of it. When your body cannot block the pain as well, you feel more of it. That’s why pain from a toothache at night can feel much stronger than it did just a few hours earlier.

Best Ways to Get Rid of a Toothache at Night

A toothache at night can be hard to deal with. You can try these steps to feel better until you see the best dentist Arizona:

• Take a pain pill like ibuprofen to lower pain and swelling.
• Keep your head up to reduce pressure in your mouth.
• Put a cold pack on your cheek to help numb the pain.
• Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to clean it and calm the sore spot.
• Do not eat cold, hot, or sweet foods as they can make the pain worse.
• Use numbing gel from the store if the pain is strong.

Natural Remedies for Toothaches

You can try these natural ways to feel better, but they do not fix the real problem. If the pain comes back, you should visit the best dentists in Phoenix, AZ. Only a dentist can find and treat the true cause of a toothache at night.

When Should You Go to the Dentist?

You must visit a dentist when the pain does not go away after two days. You need care if your face swells, if you feel sick, or if you have a bad taste in your mouth. These signs can mean an infection or a serious problem in the tooth. If you wait too long, the pain will get worse, and the damage will grow. A dentist can treat the cause of a toothache at night​ and keep the problem from getting worse. You should not delay when pain lasts too long or feels too strong.

Preventing Nighttime Tooth Pain

These small steps help you avoid pain and keep your teeth strong:

• Brush your teeth two times each day.
• Floss to clean between the teeth.
• Drink water often to keep your mouth from getting dry.
• Eat less sugar and avoid snacks that are too hard.
• Visit the dentist two times a year to find problems early.
• If you grind your teeth while you sleep, wear a night guard to protect them.

Toothache Treatment Near Me in Phoenix

If you live in Phoenix and feel a toothache at night​, you can get fast help. Central Valley Dentistry offers the best care for tooth pain and dental problems. We use modern tools and offer care for adults and kids. You can call the office and book a visit right away. You do not need to suffer through another painful night. The best way to stop a toothache at night​ is to treat it early with expert care.

Last Word

A toothache at night can feel strong and stop you from sleeping. It happens for many reasons, like more blood in your head, a dry mouth, or no distractions. You can take pain pills, use cold packs, rinse with salt water, or try clove oil to feel better for a little while. But these are not real fixes. The pain can come back or get worse. A dentist needs to check your teeth and treat the cause.

FAQs