Yes, teeth can hurt more at night. This isn't because the tooth problem itself changes, but because of the change in body position.
Why Nighttime Tooth Pain Is Worse
The primary reason tooth pain intensifies at night is increased blood flow to the head when lying down. This increased blood flow leads to higher pressure in the affected area, exacerbating the pain and discomfort. Multiple sources confirm this [1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10].
Several underlying dental issues can cause tooth pain, which is then worsened by this increased blood pressure at night. These include:
- Tooth decay: Cavities can become more sensitive at night due to the increased blood pressure.
- Gum disease: Inflammation and infection in the gums can cause pain, worsened by increased blood flow.
- Abscessed tooth: A severe infection requiring immediate attention. [2]
- Teeth grinding (bruxism): This wears down tooth enamel and can cause significant pain, particularly noticeable after a night of grinding. [8, 9]
- Misaligned bite: Improper alignment of teeth can cause increased pressure and pain. [7]
Practical Implications
Understanding that the increased blood flow to the head while lying down is a significant factor helps manage nighttime tooth pain. While treatment of the underlying dental issue is crucial, managing the pain might include adjusting sleeping positions to reduce blood flow to the head.
