Why Are Toothaches Worse at Night?

If you’ve ever been woken up by a throbbing toothache or found the pain getting worse after the sun goes down, you’re not alone. Many patients report that their toothaches intensify at night, making it difficult to sleep or relax. But why does this happen—and what can you do about it?

As a trusted emergency dentist in Chandler, we’ve seen countless patients come in with severe nighttime tooth pain. In this post, we’ll explain why toothaches tend to worsen at night and how you can find relief when the pain becomes unbearable.

1. Lying Down Increases Blood Flow to the Head

When you lie flat in bed, blood flow increases to the head, including the mouth and jaw. This added circulation can intensify inflammation and make tooth pain more noticeable. During the day, standing or sitting upright helps reduce the pressure around a problem tooth—but at night, gravity works against you.

2. Fewer Distractions at Night

During the day, you’re often busy with work, conversations, and errands. Your mind is occupied, which can naturally distract you from pain. At night, however, when the world quiets down and you try to rest, your brain becomes more tuned in to sensations like tooth pain.

3. Nighttime Habits May Trigger Pain

Certain nighttime behaviors can worsen toothaches:

• Clenching or grinding your teeth during sleep (known as bruxism) can put pressure on already-sensitive teeth.

• Late-night snacking or sugary drinks before bed may aggravate cavities or gum issues.

• Skipping brushing or flossing before bed can leave food particles and bacteria in your mouth, leading to increased irritation or infection overnight.

If you’ve experienced any of these habits, a visit to a dentist in Chandler might be in order—especially if pain persists or worsens.

4. Toothaches May Indicate a Serious Dental Problem

A nighttime toothache can sometimes be a sign of:

• Deep cavities that reach the tooth’s nerve

• Infected gums or abscesses

• Cracked or fractured teeth

• Exposed tooth roots due to gum recession

• Impacted wisdom teeth

Pain from any of these conditions tends to worsen when untreated, and nighttime symptoms are often the first signal that you need urgent care.

5. Inflammation Peaks Without Medication

Many people rely on over-the-counter pain relievers to manage mild toothaches during the day. But if your medication wears off at night—or you forget to take it before bed—you may feel a surge in pain. Swelling can increase, and without proper treatment, it becomes harder to fall asleep or stay asleep.

Tips for Managing Nighttime Tooth Pain

While seeing a dentist is always the best option, here are some ways to reduce pain temporarily:

• Keep your head elevated: Use an extra pillow to reduce blood flow to your jaw.

• Rinse with warm salt water: This can help reduce bacteria and inflammation.

• Use a cold compress: Apply it to your cheek to numb the area and decrease swelling.

• Avoid sugary or acidic foods: Especially close to bedtime.

• Take OTC pain relievers: Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can offer short-term relief.

Still, if the pain persists or worsens, it’s time to call an emergency dentist Chandler.

When to Call an Emergency Dentist

You shouldn’t wait until morning if:

• The pain is sharp, severe, or radiating to your ear or jaw

• Your face is swollen or hot to the touch

• You have a fever, foul taste in your mouth, or pus near the affected tooth

• You’ve recently had dental work and are experiencing unexpected pain

An emergency dentist in Chandler can assess your condition, provide pain relief, and treat the root cause—so you’re not left suffering through the night.

Don’t Let Tooth Pain Ruin Your Sleep

Toothaches that flare up at night aren’t just inconvenient—they can be signs of a more serious issue. While home remedies may offer temporary relief, dental pain should never be ignored. Prompt treatment not only alleviates discomfort but also prevents complications down the line.

If you’re dealing with persistent or worsening pain, our emergency dental team in Chandler is ready to help—day or night. We’ll get you back to sleeping peacefully and smiling confidently.