Why Is Night Toothache More Severe?
When you lie down, blood flow to the head and jaw increases; in an inflamed tooth this pressure stimulates the nerve endings more and amplifies the pain. Also, without the distracting stimuli of daytime, the brain focuses more on the pain at night. That is why the same tooth can be tolerable by day yet unbearable at night.
Which night pain is an emergency?
Pain that radiates to the face or ear, does not pass despite painkillers and comes with swelling requires care even at night. Brief sensitivity to hot or cold, on the other hand, can usually wait until morning.
How to Manage the Pain Until Morning
Keeping your head slightly elevated until you reach the clinic reduces pressure on the tooth. Apply a cold compress to the outside of the cheek; avoid heat. Do not press aspirin onto the gum, and take a painkiller at the recommended dose. These give temporary relief; the lasting solution is at the examination.
