You’ve brushed your teeth, fluffed your pillow, and turned out the lights. But then – bam! That dull ache in your tooth turns into a full-blown throb. You’re not alone in wondering, “Why do toothaches hurt worse at night?” Our restorative dentist in Lombard, IL, is here to explain why dental pain can get worse after dark.
Nothing can ruin your day (or night!) quite like a persistent toothache. So, if you’re experiencing dental pain that just won’t let up, it’s time to talk to a dentist in Lombard, IL. Call (630) 629-5700 to request an exam with Dr. Julie Glud at Dental Care of Lombard today!
Believe it or not, there are some sneaky reasons why tooth pain feels worse after the sun goes down. Let’s uncover the top five surprising ones.
1. You’re Lying Down – And Gravity Isn’t Helping
One big reason toothaches feel worse at night has to do with how your body is positioned. When you lie down, blood rushes to your head. That increased blood flow can put more pressure on inflamed or sensitive teeth. So, suddenly, a tooth that felt fine during the day starts throbbing once you hit the pillow.
This change in pressure can also make your gums feel swollen or irritated. That’s why you may start asking, “Why do toothaches hurt worse at night?” even if the pain was mild earlier.
Sitting or standing keeps pressure off your head, which helps reduce discomfort. But lying flat does the opposite. If you ever notice that your pain eases when you sit up, gravity might be playing a role.
2. Fewer Distractions Make the Pain Louder
During the day, you’re busy. Work, errands, friends, family – your brain is focused on a hundred other things. But at night, everything slows down. That quiet, still environment means your brain has fewer distractions. And that’s when tooth pain takes center stage.
The less you have to focus on, the more your brain notices discomfort. So, even a small ache can feel way bigger when there’s nothing else grabbing your attention.
It’s one of the most overlooked answers to the question, “Why do toothaches hurt worse at night?” But it makes sense – our minds amplify pain when we’re lying awake in silence.
3. Your Late-Night Snacks Might Be Making Things Worse
Let’s be honest – midnight snackies are hard to resist. But those cookies or chips could be the reason you’re suddenly asking, “Why do toothaches hurt worse at night?” Sugary or acidic snacks can sneak into cracks, cavities, or sore gums and irritate them.
Plus, many people skip brushing their teeth again after nighttime snacking. That means food particles and sugar sit on your teeth all night long, and bacteria absolutely love that! They feast on the residual food and create acids that can make tooth decay worse, which increases sensitivity and pain.
If you’re noticing a pattern – snack now, ache later – it might be time to rethink those late-night bites.
4. Your Body’s Natural Painkillers Drop at Night
Here’s another surprise: your body produces fewer natural pain-blocking hormones at night. During the day, chemicals like endorphins and cortisol help keep pain levels down. But at night, those levels drop as your body starts winding down for sleep.
That hormonal shift could be another reason you’re asking, “Why do toothaches hurt worse at night?” You’re just not getting the same support from your body to dull the ache. It’s like your internal pain defenses are taking a nap – just when you need them most.
So, even if your tooth pain isn’t actually getting worse, your ability to cope with it might be.
5. Nighttime Clenching or Grinding Can Trigger Pain
Do you wake up with an achey jaw or sensitive teeth? You might be grinding or clenching your teeth at night. This is a condition called bruxism, and it’s a major contributor to nighttime tooth pain.
When you grind or clench, you put pressure (up to 250 pounds worth!) on your teeth and jaw muscles. Over time, this can wear down enamel, crack fillings, or irritate the nerves inside your teeth.
So, if you’re asking, “Why do toothaches hurt worse at night?” the answer might be what you’re doing while you sleep. Luckily, wearing a night guard, reducing stress, or getting a dental check-up can help you catch bruxism early.
What Can You Do to Stop Nighttime Tooth Pain?
Now that we’ve answered the question, “Why do toothaches hurt worse at night?” let’s talk about what you can do to stop it. Here are some quick tips:
- Prop Yourself Up: Use an extra pillow to keep your head elevated.
- Stick to Water Before Bed: Avoid sugary or acidic snacks and drinks late at night.
- Brush and Floss: Always clean your teeth before sleeping – even after a snack!
- Try a Cold Compress: Press it gently against your cheek to reduce swelling.
- Use Dental Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter numbing gels or pain pills can help ease the ache.
- Call Your Lombard Dentist: If the pain lasts more than a day or two, it’s time for an exam.
When Should You See a Dentist in Lombard, IL?
Toothaches can be more than just a nuisance – they can be a sign of something serious. If your pain keeps returning or gets worse, don’t wait. Dr. Glud can find out exactly why your tooth hurts and treat it before things get worse.
Sometimes, nighttime pain can point to:
- Cavities
- Infections
- Gum disease
- Cracked teeth
- Impacted wisdom teeth
If you’ve been lying in bed wondering, “Why do toothaches hurt worse at night?” more than a few times this week, it’s probably time to book an appointment at Dental Care of Lombard.
Put Nighttime Toothaches to Bed with Dr. Julie Glud
We’ve all had those nights where a toothache steals our sleep and leaves us frustrated. But now you know the real answers to the question, “Why do toothaches hurt worse at night?” From body position and stress to snacks and grinding, there are plenty of hidden causes behind the pain.
The good news? You’re not powerless. With a quick visit to Dental Care of Lombard, you can sleep easy again. So, the next time you find yourself tossing and turning, know that you can find relief with Dr. Julie Glud in Lombard, IL.
Request your appointment with Dr. Glud here, or call our team at (630) 629-5700 to coordinate your care today!
