There’s nothing more frustrating than going about your day pain-free, only to have a toothache kick in the moment your head hits the pillow. If your toothache consistently worsens at night, you’re not imagining it—there are real reasons why dental pain often feels more intense after dark. Understanding these causes can help you find relief and take the right steps toward treatment.
Changes in Blood Flow and Body Position
One of the most common reasons toothaches feel worse at night is due to the way your body changes when you lie down. When you recline, blood flow to the head increases slightly. This can create more pressure around sensitive or inflamed areas, such as an infected tooth or irritated nerves. During the day, when you’re upright, this pressure is less pronounced.
Additionally, without the distractions of a busy day, you’re more likely to notice and focus on the pain, which can make it feel more intense.
Fewer Distractions Means More Awareness
At night, your environment tends to be quieter and less stimulating. This can cause you to become more aware of bodily discomforts, including tooth pain. That dull ache you were able to ignore during the day can suddenly feel like a throbbing pain when you’re lying in bed, trying to fall asleep.
Bruxism: Clenching or Grinding at Night
If you grind or clench your teeth at night—a condition known as bruxism—it can make existing tooth pain worse or even cause new pain. The pressure exerted during grinding can aggravate sensitive teeth, strain your jaw, and lead to enamel damage or even small cracks in the teeth.
If you suspect bruxism may be contributing to your nighttime toothache, talk to your dentist about a nightguard to protect your teeth while you sleep.
Sinus Pressure and Congestion
Sometimes what feels like a toothache is actually referred pain from sinus congestion, especially in the upper back teeth. At night, sinus pressure can shift or become more noticeable when lying down, which may mimic or amplify dental pain.
Untreated Dental Issues
The most important thing to consider is that a toothache—especially one that persists or worsens at night—is often a sign of an underlying dental problem, such as:
- A cavity
- An abscess or infection
- Gum disease
- A cracked or damaged tooth
These conditions won’t go away on their own and tend to get worse over time. That’s why it’s essential to visit your dentist for a proper diagnosis and treatment. Restorative options like fillings, root canals, or crowns can eliminate pain and protect your tooth from further damage.
Tooth pain at night might be common—but it’s never something to ignore.
About the Practice
Woodsprings Family Dentistry in Jonesboro offers comprehensive dental care, with a focus on comfort, prevention, and long-lasting solutions. Dr. Yarnell’s experienced team provides a full range of restorative dentistry services to relieve pain and restore function. Whether you’re dealing with a nagging toothache or a more complex issue, Woodsprings Family Dentistry is here to help you sleep a little easier.
Call us at (870) 932-8488 or request an appointment online.