Why Does Your Tooth Pain Seem to Get Worse at Night?

Lately, you’ve been experiencing significant pain in your tooth. While the discomfort is obviously troublesome enough during the day, you’ve noticed that it seems to grow worse around bedtime, which is making it much more difficult for you to get a good night’s rest. What are the possible reasons for this phenomenon, and what can you do to get your pain under control? Here’s what you need to know for managing your toothache at night while you’re waiting to see your emergency dentist.

Possible Causes of Your Toothache Seeming Worse at Night

There are a few factors that can cause your tooth pain to seem worse around bedtime:

• Your Position: When you lie down to go to bed, it changes the way blood flows throughout your body. More blood travels to the head, which can put pressure on your painful tooth and exacerbate the discomfort you’re already experiencing.
• Fewer Distractions: The various activities you engage in throughout the day can help take your mind off your tooth pain. However, when you’re trying to go to sleep, there’s less to distract you from your discomfort. This can make your toothache seem worse than it does during the day.
• Late Night Sugary Snacks: If your toothache is the result of a cavity, sugary foods right before bed could make your pain worse.

Managing a Toothache at Night

You don’t have to let your toothache prevent you from getting a good night’s rest. Here are some tips for keeping your dental pain under control around bedtime:

• Before going to sleep, take an over-the-counter painkiller such as ibuprofen. This will help temporarily relieve your discomfort.
• To limit the amount of blood traveling to your mouth, try keeping your head raised while you’re in bed. One way to do so is to sleep on multiple pillows stacked on top of each other.
• During the hours before your regular bedtime, stay away from sugary treats and other foods that can make tooth pain worse.
• Reduce any swelling that might be present around your painful tooth by applying a cold compress to the area. Remember, you should only use a cold compress for 15-minute intervals.

These are only temporary measures; you will need to see your emergency dentist in order to put a stop to your tooth pain for good. Nevertheless, as long as you take the right steps, you should be able to manage your toothache so that you can get the sleep your body needs.

About the Practice

At Applegate Dental PLLC, we strive to make getting the quality care your smile needs as easy and affordable as possible. Our diverse menu of dental services includes same-day emergency appointments for patients with toothaches and other oral health issues that require swift attention from a caring dental professional. If you ever have an urgent dental problem, you can request an appointment at our dental office in West Seneca by calling  (716) 668-4646.