Why Is My Toothache Worse At Night?

If you’ve ever spent a night tossing and turning from a toothache, it might have seemed like the pain worsened after you went to bed. You aren’t imagining things. Dental pain can increase after calling it a day. Here are common culprits behind the discomfort and what you can do to avoid a sleepless night until you can see your emergency dentist.

Late-Night Snacking

The food you have for dinner or the snacks you eat late at night can trigger dental pain. Cold, hot, and acidic foods and drinks can cause sensitivity. Hard, crunchy, or chewy foods can aggravate underlying problems.

Sleeping Position

Sleeping flat causes your blood to pool in your head, which can make your tooth throb. Your blood pressure also increases at night, which can lead to a throbbing sensation.

Fewer Distractions

Your brain can only focus on so many things at once. You’re preoccupied with various activities during the day, so you’re less focused on your toothache. While you’re laying in bed, there are fewer distractions, so you’re more likely to pay attention to the pain.

Grinding or Clenching Your Teeth

Untreated bruxism can cause your teeth to hurt. Without any treatment, the grinding and clenching can destroy your teeth and lead to tooth loss.

Managing a Toothache at Night

Although you might think an occasional toothache is normal, it’s a symptom of an underlying problem that must be addressed. Never ignore dental pain or wait for it to go away. It’s best to contact your dentist to get to the source of your discomfort. While you wait for your appointment, here are a few tips to keep you comfortable:

• Watch What You Eat: Avoid eating too close to bedtime and eat soft foods for dinner.
• Manage Any Pain: Take an over-the-counter pain reliever and apply a cold compress. You can also gargle with salt water to reduce pain and inflammation. It is also a natural antiseptic to kill bacteria.
• Elevate Your Pillow: Sleep with your pillow elevated to prevent blood from running to your head.
• Wear a Nightguard: Treat your bruxism with a nightguard. It creates a cushion between the upper and lower arches to safeguard your smile.

Although a minor toothache may not seem too alarming, it’s not something you should ignore. It can be a symptom of a cavity, an infection, a fracture, and many other issues that can turn into serious problems if they are not addressed quickly. 

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact your dentist right away if you have a toothache.

About Dr. Jonathan Aguilar 

Dr. Aguilar achieved his dental degree at the Texas A&M College of Dentistry and has regularly furthered his education to provide up-to-date services to deliver patient-focused care. He creates personalized treatment plans using the latest innovations in dentistry to help each patient achieve a healthy, beautiful smile. Request an appointment through our website or call (940) 353-6444.