Is your tooth pain worse at night? You’re not alone. Toothaches can be bad enough, but when they ramp up as soon as your head hits the pillow, they can really ruin your rest.
It’s important to find out what’s causing your tooth to only hurt at night, though. While you can find temporary relief with home remedies, a persistent toothache means it’s time to see a dentist.
In this article, we’ll look at some of the common causes of tooth pain that gets worse at night, what you can do at home to get some relief, and when you absolutely need to see a dentist ASAP.
Why does my tooth hurt more at night?
It can be frustrating when a toothache flares up just as you’re trying to fall asleep. Here are a few reasons why tooth pain may seem worse in the evening.
Physiological factors
When you lie down, blood flow to your head increases, which can intensify tooth pain. The increased blood flow may add pressure to the already inflamed tissues around the tooth.
You’re also more likely to notice pain at night because you have fewer distractions. During the day, you’re busy with work, family, or other activities that can take your mind off the pain. At night, with fewer competing stimuli, you may focus more intently on the throbbing in your mouth.
Parafunctional habits
If you grind your teeth at night, you may be putting extra pressure on your teeth, inflaming existing dental problems. This can make the pain from cavities, cracked teeth, or jaw issues feel even worse.
Dietary factors
Food particles trapped between your teeth can irritate your gums and worsen pain, especially if you don’t remove them before bed. Also, the sugar from food can lead to more bacteria growth, which adds to the pain.
Common causes of nighttime toothaches
Why does your tooth hurt more at night than it does during the day? Here are some common reasons:
Dental issues
Sometimes, the problem is in your mouth.
Cavities (tooth decay)
Cavities are a frequent cause of toothaches, particularly if the decay has reached the nerve of the tooth. When bacteria erode the enamel, it can cause sensitivity and pain, especially when you’re eating or drinking.
Periodontal disease (gum disease)
Gum disease can cause inflammation and infection, which can lead to tooth pain and sensitivity. When your gums are inflamed, they can recede, exposing the root of the tooth, which makes it more prone to pain.
Tooth damage (cracked or broken teeth)
Cracks or fractures can expose the inner pulp of the tooth, which results in a sharp pain, particularly when you bite down. Even a small amount of damage can become more painful at night due to pressure and inflammation.
Tooth nerve pain (pulpitis)
Inflammation of the dental pulp, or pulpitis, can cause severe throbbing pain. This inflammation can be triggered by deep cavities, trauma, or infection.
Non-dental issues
Sometimes, the reason for your tooth pain isn’t actually a dental issue.
Sinus infections (sinusitis)
Sinus infections can cause referred pain in the upper teeth, which can feel a lot like a toothache. The pressure from inflamed sinuses can radiate to the roots of your teeth, particularly at night when you’re lying down.
Home remedies for temporary relief
While you shouldn’t put off seeing a dentist, there are some things you can do at home to get some temporary relief from the pain.
Pain relief strategies
- Over-the-counter pain relievers. NSAIDs like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help to reduce pain and inflammation. Taking the recommended dose before bed may help you get through the night.
- Cold compress. Applying a cold compress to your cheek can numb the area and reduce swelling. Try 15 to 20 minutes at a time, several times a night.
- Elevation. Piling up some extra pillows can reduce blood flow to your head and ease the throbbing. Elevating your head may minimize the pressure that leads to nighttime toothaches.
Natural remedies
- Salt water rinse. Rinsing with warm salt water can help clean your mouth and cut down on inflammation. Dissolve about half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and rinse for about 30 seconds.
- Clove oil. Clove oil contains eugenol, a natural anesthetic and antiseptic. Dab a little clove oil on a cotton ball and place it on the tooth that’s aching.
- Peppermint tea. Peppermint contains antibacterial and antioxidant compounds. Drinking peppermint tea or applying a used tea bag to the spot that hurts may give you some relief.
Oral hygiene practices
- Gentle brushing and flossing. Gently brush and floss to remove any food particles that might be making the pain worse. Be careful not to brush too hard, since that can irritate sensitive areas.
When should you see a dentist?
If your tooth hurts for more than a day or two, see a dentist. Ignoring it could lead to bigger problems down the road.
Also, seek immediate dental care if:
- The pain is severe and doesn’t respond to home treatments. This could indicate a serious infection or other dental emergency.
- You notice signs of infection, like fever, swelling, or pus. These symptoms need professional treatment right away.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I stop tooth nerve pain at night?
Okay, so you’re dealing with that nighttime tooth pain, huh? First, try rinsing your mouth with warm salt water – it can really help reduce inflammation. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen are good to have on hand. You can also apply a cold compress to your cheek to numb the area. If you have clove oil, dabbing a tiny bit on the affected tooth can offer temporary relief. Most importantly, though, schedule an appointment with your dentist ASAP. These are just temporary fixes, and you need to figure out what’s actually causing the pain.
What is the 3-3-3 rule for toothache?
I hadn’t heard of the 3-3-3 rule before, but I think I understand what it refers to. It’s a set of guidelines people are using for managing sudden toothaches at home until you can get to a dentist. 3 refers to the number of days that an over-the-counter pain medication may be effective. The other 3s likely refer to the number of times a day to rinse with salt water, or the number of hours of relief you might experience with certain remedies. However, these are not hard and fast rules, and you should see a dentist as soon as possible.
Final Thoughts
If your tooth throbs at night, it could be due to increased blood flow to your head when you lie down, the fact that you’re not distracted by your day-to-day activities, or nighttime teeth grinding.
While home remedies can provide temporary relief from tooth pain, it’s essential to see a dentist to find the source of the pain and get it treated. Ignoring tooth pain can lead to more serious problems down the road.
To keep toothaches at bay, make sure you see your dentist regularly for checkups and practice good oral hygiene every day.