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Why Toothaches Feel Worse at Night (and What You Can Do About It)
Aug 13, 2025
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Why Toothaches Feel Worse at Night (and What You Can Do About It)
Tooth pain that appears at bedtime can be especially frustrating. You might have coped all day with a dull ache, only to find it flaring into something unbearable as soon as you try to sleep.
At Colac Smiles, we often see patients from Warrion, Cororooke, Winchelsea, and Apollo Bay who describe the same pattern. In this article, we explain why toothaches seem worse at night—and offer practical tips to get through the discomfort until you can see a dentist.
Why Is Tooth Pain Worse at Night?
Several physical and psychological factors come together to make dental pain feel more intense in the evening.
1. Gravity and Blood Flow
When you lie down, blood flows more freely to your head. This can increase pressure in inflamed areas around a damaged or infected tooth.
2. Less Distraction
During the day, activities and conversations help shift your attention. At night, quiet environments can amplify your awareness of pain.
3. Night-Time Teeth Grinding
Many people clench or grind their teeth (bruxism) in their sleep, placing extra stress on teeth and jaw muscles.
4. Sinus Pressure
When sinuses are congested—often due to allergies or a cold—they can exert pressure on the upper jaw, mimicking a toothache.
Common Causes of Night-Time Toothaches
Toothache is not a condition—it’s a symptom. Here are some dental (and non-dental) reasons it may worsen at night:
Tooth decay (cavities)
Gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis)
Dental abscess or infection
Cracked or fractured teeth
Impacted wisdom teeth
Bruxism (grinding/clenching during sleep)
Post-treatment sensitivity
Sinus-related pressure on upper teeth
If you live in Barongarook, Birregurra, or Elliminyt, Colac Smiles can help you find the root cause of your discomfort and treat it effectively.
How Tooth Pain Changes from Day to Night
Factor | Daytime | Night-time |
Body position | Upright – less blood pooling | Lying down – more pressure on tooth |
Distraction level | High (work, errands, social interaction) | Low – more focus on pain |
Pain awareness | Diffused by activity | Heightened in quiet settings |
Treatment access | Dental clinics open | Limited to basic at-home care |
How to Relieve Night-Time Tooth Pain at Home?
While not a permanent fix, these strategies can help manage pain until you can see a dentist:
Elevate your head while sleeping
Use an extra pillow to reduce blood pressure around your jaw.
Use a cold compress
Apply an ice pack wrapped in a towel for 15–20 minutes to reduce inflammation.
Take over-the-counter medication
Ibuprofen or paracetamol can help control pain and inflammation.
Avoid eating right before bed
Especially avoid sugary, acidic, hot, or cold foods that may irritate the tooth.
Maintain good oral hygiene
Gently brush and floss, being careful around the sore area.
Consider a night guard
If you clench or grind your teeth, a dental night guard can reduce pressure and friction.
Table: What’s Behind Your Night-Time Toothache?
Cause | Why It Worsens at Night | Likely Symptoms |
Tooth decay | Temperature and pressure sensitivity more noticeable | Dull or sharp pain in one spot |
Dental abscess | Infection pressure increases while lying down | Throbbing pain, swelling, bad taste |
Bruxism | Grinding stress on jaw joints and muscles | Sore jaw on waking, flattened teeth |
Sinus congestion | Increased pressure in upper jaw | Pain in upper molars, especially when reclining |
Wisdom tooth eruption | Swelling or crowding causes deep jaw pain | Radiating pain in back molars or jaw |
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Night-Time Toothaches
Tooth pain that flares up at night is often a sign of an underlying issue. If left untreated, it could lead to:
Dental abscess or infection spreading to other tissues
Tooth loss due to advanced decay or gum disease
Increased treatment complexity and cost later on
Sleep disturbances that affect your overall health
Need Urgent Toothache Relief in Colac? We Can Help
If you’re in Colac, Elliminyt, Birregurra, or Winchelsea and struggling with night-time tooth pain, Colac Smiles offers compassionate, expert care. Whether it’s a minor cavity or a more serious infection, we’ll guide you toward the right treatment—quickly and comfortably.
With state-of-the-art imaging and gentle care, our dental team helps you sleep easy again. Contact us for emergency appointments or to schedule a comprehensive check-up.
References
NHS UK. Toothache: Causes, Relief, and When to See a Dentist.
HealthDirect Australia. Dental Pain: Symptoms and Treatment.
Better Health Channel (Victoria State Government). Toothache.
FAQs About Toothaches at Night
1. Why does my tooth only hurt when I lie down?
Lying flat increases blood pressure to the head, which can intensify inflammation around nerves in a damaged tooth.
2. Can I safely take painkillers for toothache every night?
Occasional use is okay, but ongoing pain should be assessed by a dentist to avoid worsening issues.
3. Can grinding my teeth cause night-time toothache?
Yes. Grinding (bruxism) stresses your teeth and jaw, often leading to pain upon waking.
4. Is sinus pressure mistaken for tooth pain?
Absolutely. Upper molars are close to sinus cavities, and sinus infections can feel like dental pain.
5. Should I see a dentist if the pain goes away by morning?
Yes. Temporary relief doesn’t mean the issue is resolved—early treatment prevents complications.
6. How can I avoid future night-time toothaches?
Maintain regular dental visits, good oral hygiene, and seek help for grinding or clenching.
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