Why Does My Tooth Hurt Only at Night? Common Causes and What You Can Do For Tooth Pain At Night

Tooth pain that appears only at night is frustrating — and often worrying. Many patients ask:“Why does my tooth hurt when I lie down, but feels okay during the day?”

The good news is: this symptom is common, explainable, and treatable — especially when addressed early.

Tooth pain at night

Why Tooth Pain At Night Feels Worse at Night

At night, your body changes in subtle ways:

• You lie flat, increasing blood flow to the head

• There are fewer distractions, so pain feels stronger

• Inflammation becomes more noticeable

• Jaw clenching or grinding often happens during sleep

  
  

This combination can make mild dental problems feel intense once you’re in bed.

Most Common Reasons for Tooth Pain At Night

1️⃣ Tooth Decay (Cavity)

When decay reaches deeper layers of the tooth, pressure from increased blood flow can trigger pain at night.

2️⃣ Inflamed or Infected Tooth Nerve

Pain that:

• Throbs

• Wakes you from sleep

• Lingers after hot or cold

may indicate nerve inflammation or infection.

3️⃣ Gum Infection or Abscess

Swollen gums, bad taste, or tenderness near the tooth may point to an underlying infection.

4️⃣ Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)

Night-time grinding can cause:

• Dull aching pain

• Jaw soreness

• Tooth sensitivity

Many people don’t realise they grind until symptoms appear.

5️⃣ Sinus Pressure

Upper back teeth share space with sinus cavities. Sinus congestion can mimic tooth pain, especially when lying down.

What You Can Do Tonight (Temporary Relief)

If pain strikes at night:

• Keep your head slightly elevated

• Rinse gently with warm salt water

• Avoid chewing on the painful side

• Avoid very hot or cold drinks

• Use pain relief if needed (as directed)

  
  

⚠️ These are temporary measures — they don’t replace proper dental care.

🚨 When Tooth Pain At Night Needs Attention

You should see a dentist if:

• Pain lasts more than 1–2 days

• Pain wakes you from sleep

• There is swelling or fever

• Pain worsens instead of improving

  
  

Night pain is often your body’s early warning signal.

How Dentists Treat Night-Time Tooth Pain

Treatment depends on the cause and may include:

• Filling for decay

• Root canal treatment

• Gum treatment

• Bite adjustment or night guard

• Infection management

  
  

Early treatment usually means simpler, faster, and less painful care.

🌱 Final Thought

Tooth pain at night is common — but not something to ignore.Understanding the cause helps you act calmly and avoid bigger problems later.

If you’re unsure what’s causing the pain, a simple examination can give clarity and relief.

If your tooth pain keeps you awake or comes back night after night, it’s best to have it checked early.

At Teethos Dental Clinic Kuala Lumpur, we help patients identify the cause calmly and treat it gently — before it becomes an emergency.

💬 Message us on WhatsApp for a consultation

🌐 teethosdental.com

📍 1 minute from Pasar Seni MRT

Early care brings better sleep — and peace of mind.