Why Does My Toothache Feel Worse at Night?

December 13, 2024

Lady applies cold compress to face

Have you ever noticed that your toothache may be easy to ignore during the day but becomes much more noticeable at night? This is actually a fairly common problem, and there are ways to relieve your discomfort so you can get some rest before you call your emergency dentist in the morning. Here’s a brief guide to a few home remedies to toothache that you can try as well as how your dentist can help.

Why Is My Toothache More Noticeable at Night?

Distraction can be a powerful thing, and the daytime is full of stimuli that can draw your attention away from a nagging pain in your mouth. Driving, going to school, working, cooking, watching TV, and even the ambient noise from outside can push your toothache into the back of your mind, but the night often has far fewer distractions. When you go to bed, it can be much harder to ignore an unpleasant sensation such as a toothache, which means that it may seem to hurt more when you’re trying to sleep.

How Can I Reduce My Tooth Pain?

There are a few home remedies that may help you find some relief so you can get some sleep. These include:

  • Propping up your head: Using pillows or cushions to elevate your head above your heart when lying down can lower the blood pressure within the stressed tissues of your tooth, which can significantly reduce your discomfort.
  • Clove oil: Clove oil is an ancient toothache remedy. Applying a little bit of it to a cotton ball and holding it over your afflicted tooth may give you fast-acting temporary relief.
  • Over-the-counter pain medication: These products can be a great way to temporarily reduce your toothache. Always follow the instructions printed on the label when using any of them.
  • Oral hygiene: In some cases, a toothache is caused by stubborn debris stuck between the teeth. A thorough brushing and flossing may dislodge that nasty bit from your smile so you can get instant and lasting toothache relief.

How Can My Dentist Help?

If your toothache is still bothering you in the morning even after a thorough oral hygiene session, contact your emergency dentist to schedule a same-day appointment. At their office, your dentist will examine your mouth to determine the cause of the problem as well as the best way to address it. In many cases, a toothache may be resolved by a restorative treatment such as a filling or a root canal. However, it may be necessary to extract a tooth that is damaged beyond repair and consider replacement options.

Don’t let an annoying toothache deprive you of the rest you need for a successful tomorrow. By getting the care you need, you can stop a destructive dental infection in its tracks and keep your smile healthy for decades.

About the Practice

Smile Design Implant Centers offers the finest cosmetic, restorative, and prosthetic dental services available in Reno. Led by Drs. Ricciardi and Winfield, the staff treats each patient with exemplary courtesy and stellar customer service. Areas of expertise include dental implants, emergency dentistry, and periodontal therapy. If you are currently experiencing a toothache, dial (775) 391-6636. For more information, contact the office online.