Why do I have toothache at night? Causes and relief explained by your emergency dentist in Cardiff

Toothache is difficult at the best of times, but nighttime pain can feel especially intense. You may feel perfectly fine during the day, only for the throbbing, aching, or sharp sensitivity to strike the moment you lie down. If you’re regularly experiencing toothache at night, it’s a sign that something deeper may be wrong—and it shouldn’t be ignored.

At Rumney Endodontics, your emergency dentist in Cardiff sees patients every week who struggle with nocturnal tooth pain. In many cases, this type of pain is connected to infection, decay, or pressure changes in the tooth. Understanding the cause is the first step to finding reliable relief.

Why toothache often feels worse at night

There are several reasons why pain intensifies when you lie down. As your head becomes level with your body, more blood naturally flows towards your head and neck. This increases pressure around inflamed or infected teeth, exaggerating the sensations you feel.

In the quiet of the evening, you also have fewer distractions. What felt like mild sensitivity during the day becomes impossible to ignore once you’re trying to sleep.

Common causes of nighttime toothache

Toothache at night is often a sign of a developing or existing dental issue. Common causes include:

Tooth decay

Cavities expose the inner layers of the tooth and can lead to heightened sensitivity at night.

Pulp inflammation or infection

When the pulp becomes infected, pain typically worsens when lying down. This often requires root canal treatment to resolve.

Cracked teeth

Hairline cracks can trap bacteria and cause pressure pain when the jaw relaxes at night.

Impacted food

Small pieces of food trapped between teeth can irritate the gum tissue, leading to throbbing discomfort.

Sinus issues

Blocked sinuses can create referred pain around the upper back teeth, especially when lying flat.

Teeth grinding (bruxism)

Nighttime clenching can cause aching jaws, sensitivity, and pain that feels like toothache.

When to see an emergency dentist

If the pain wakes you from sleep, lasts more than 24 hours, or is accompanied by swelling, a bad taste, or fever, you should contact an emergency dentist in Cardiff as soon as possible. These could be signs of an abscess or infection, both of which require urgent attention to prevent complications.

Painkillers may provide temporary relief, but they won’t treat the cause. Early diagnosis increases the likelihood of saving the tooth and reduces the risk of needing more complex treatment.

How Rumney Endodontics can help

Our specialist-led team is equipped to diagnose and treat complex causes of toothache quickly. With advanced imaging (including CBCT scans), specialist microscopes, and decades of collective experience, we can identify the exact source of pain and recommend the right solution.

If infection is present, immediate intervention—from drainage to root canal treatment—can relieve pressure and protect your tooth from further damage.

Tips for temporary nighttime relief

While waiting for your appointment, you can try:

• sleeping with your head elevated

• taking ibuprofen if suitable for you

• avoiding cold or very sweet foods

• keeping the mouth clean

• gently rinsing with warm saltwater

These measures may dull discomfort, but they won’t fix the underlying issue.

Don’t ignore nighttime toothache

Persistent pain is your body’s warning sign. If you’re regularly reaching for painkillers through the night, it’s time to speak to a professional. Our emergency dentist in Cardiff is here to help you get back to comfortable, uninterrupted sleep—without worrying about worsening infection.

Book an emergency appointment: rumneyendodonticsanddentalcare.co.uk/contact