Having a toothache during the day is aggravating enough, but having one at night can be even worse. Tooth pain at night tends to be more intense, and it can interfere with your sleep. And without the distractions of daytime, it’s hard to ignore it. Here’s what you should know about this persistent discomfort and when you should see a dentist.

Dealing With Nighttime Tooth Pain

Causes of Nighttime Toothaches

When you’re lying in bed, blood rushes to your head, putting more pressure on tooth infections, cavities, and cracked teeth. Similarly, sinusitis can cause nighttime tooth pain because when you’re lying down, mucus gets trapped and puts pressure on your dental nerve endings. If stress makes you clench your jaw or grind your teeth, you can’t control that response while you sleep, so you may wake up during the night with a toothache. Diet can also play a role. Hot or cold bedtime snacks, for example, can aggravate sensitive teeth, especially if food particles are stuck between them. 

At-Home Pain Relief Solutions

Over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, aspirin, or topical gels containing benzocaine can ease the discomfort of a toothache. An ice pack applied to the face may help to numb the pain as well. Since nighttime toothaches are often caused by pressure, sleeping with your head elevated may relieve some of your pain.

If you suspect you have a gum or tooth infection, try rinsing your mouth out with mouthwash or hot salty water to kill off some of the bacteria, and brush and floss thoroughly to remove any food lodged between sensitive teeth. 

When to Go to the Dentist

Although many toothaches, such as those caused by late-night snacks or sinus pressure, may go away on their own, some tooth pain needs to be addressed by a dentist. Toothaches that last for more than two days are only likely to get worse if not treated. If your pain is severe or accompanied by a fever, see an emergency dentist, as these can be signs of a potentially dangerous infection. For chronic pain caused by teeth grinding, your dentist may be able to fit you with a nighttime mouth guard to relieve some of the pressure.

Four Corners Dental Group offers reliable, affordable family dentistry services in Alaska. Whether you have a toothache or are interested in cosmetic dentistry, their team has the skill and experience to provide the compassionate, personalized dental care you need. Call (907) 258-3384 to schedule a dentist appointment at their Anchorage office or (907) 376-2790 to reach their Wasilla location. Visit their website to learn more about their services.