Reviewed By Dr. Jodi Kuhn
Reading time: 4 minutes
Tooth pain that appears or worsens at night is a common issue in children. Changes in blood flow, body position, and pain sensitivity after bedtime can make underlying dental problems feel more intense. Knowing why nighttime toothaches happen helps parents respond appropriately and recognize when dental care is needed.
We provide dental care for the whole family at our offices in Denver, Aurora, Thornton, and Hampden. We proudly accept Medicaid and make quality dental care accessible for every child.
| Dental and Vision Care in One Convenient Location At our Denver and Aurora locations, Youth Dentistry & Orthodontics and Youth Vision are conveniently located in the same building. This means your child can receive both dental and vision care at one familiar location, without extra travel or scheduling stress. |
Table of Contents
Why Tooth Pain Feels Worse at Night for Kids
Tooth pain often feels more severe at night, even if a child seemed comfortable during the day. Lying down increases blood flow to the head, which can raise pressure around an irritated tooth nerve and intensify discomfort.
With fewer distractions and a quieter environment, pain is harder to ignore. Normal circadian rhythm changes can also increase pain sensitivity after bedtime, making dental issues more noticeable at night.
Common Causes of Nighttime Tooth Pain in Children
Nighttime tooth pain usually indicates an underlying dental issue, even if symptoms come and go. Identifying the cause is important, as many problems will not resolve on their own.
Common causes include:
- Cavities: Tooth decay can expose sensitive areas and irritate the nerve, especially when a child lies down.
- Gum inflammation: Swollen or irritated gums may ache more as pressure builds overnight.
- Food trapped between teeth: Sticky or fibrous foods can cause irritation hours after eating.
- Teething or loose teeth: Normal dental development can lead to soreness that becomes more noticeable at bedtime.
- Dental trauma: A chipped or cracked tooth from a fall earlier in the day may begin hurting later that night.
Nighttime pain is often a signal that the tooth or surrounding tissue needs evaluation.
What To Do if Your Child Wakes Up With Tooth Pain
These steps may help reduce discomfort during the night but do not replace a dental exam if pain continues.
You can:
- Have your child sit upright for several minutes
- Gently brush and floss to remove trapped food
- Rinse with warm salt water if your child can swish safely
- Apply a cold compress to the outside of the cheek
- Use age-appropriate pain relief
If nighttime pain returns or worsens, a dental visit is recommended.
What Not to Do for Nighttime Tooth Pain
Some home remedies can irritate oral tissues or delay proper treatment. Avoid approaches that may worsen symptoms or cause additional problems.
Do not:
- Place aspirin or pain gel directly on the tooth or gums
- Apply heat to the face or jaw
- Ignore repeated nighttime tooth pain
If your child has tooth pain for more than one night, it’s best to follow up with your dentist.
When To Follow Up With Your Dentist
While mild discomfort may pass, certain symptoms indicate the need for professional evaluation. Nighttime pain often signals decay or infection that requires treatment.
Contact a dentist if your child has:
- Tooth pain that wakes them repeatedly at night
- Swelling in the gums or face
- Fever or signs of infection
- Pain lasting longer than one day
- Difficulty chewing or eating
A dental exam can prevent minor dental problems from becoming more serious.
When a Child’s Toothache Needs Evaluation
Toothaches that worsen or return during the night often signal an underlying dental issue that requires evaluation. Identifying the cause early helps prevent infection, ongoing discomfort, and more complex treatment.
At Youth Dentistry and Orthodontics, we provide thorough pediatric dental exams to determine why tooth pain is occurring and recommend appropriate care based on your child’s needs.
Contact Youth Dentistry and Orthodontics to schedule an appointment at any of our locations.
📍Denver Youth Dentistry and Orthodontics: 1400 Grove Street, Denver, CO 80204 | (303) 825-2295
📍Aurora Youth Dentistry and Orthodontics: 14251 E. 6th Avenue, Aurora, CO 80011 | (303) 343-3133
📍Thornton Youth Dentistry and Orthodontics: 550 E. Thornton Parkway, Suite 240A, Thornton, CO 80229 | (303) 280-8878
📍Hampden Youth Dentistry and Orthodontics: 7400 East Hampden Ave. Unit C1, Denver, CO 80231 | (720) 826-3694
FAQ
Why does my child’s toothache only hurt at night?
Lying down increases blood flow to the head, which can make inflamed tooth nerves feel more painful. Quiet surroundings also make discomfort more noticeable.
Should I give my child pain medicine for a nighttime toothache?
You may use age-appropriate children’s pain relief if recommended, but it should not replace seeing a dentist if pain continues.
Is nighttime tooth pain an emergency?
Pain alone is not always an emergency, but swelling, fever, or severe pain should be evaluated promptly.
