Does pulpitis cause pain during the day?

In general, whether pulpitis causes pain during the day depends on the severity of the condition. In mild cases of pulpitis, significant pain is usually not felt during daytime hours; however, if the condition is severe, pain may occur even during the day. The details are as follows:

If pulpitis is in its early stage with mild inflammation and minimal irritation to the dental pulp, individuals may not clearly feel pain during the day because they are active and their attention is relatively distracted. Discomfort, if present, is typically brief and mild—such as when eating hot or cold foods—and often resolves on its own.

When pulpitis progresses to a more severe stage, inflammation intensifies and the resulting pain from pulp irritation becomes more intense. Even during the day, obvious pain may occur. This pain may radiate to the head or face, affecting normal eating and daily activities. Pain often worsens further when chewing or exposed to hot or cold stimuli.

To relieve discomfort caused by pulpitis and prevent worsening of the condition, it's important to maintain good oral hygiene in daily life: brush teeth thoroughly in the morning and evening, rinse the mouth promptly after meals to reduce bacterial growth; avoid biting down on excessively hard foods to prevent tooth damage; and minimize consumption of very cold, hot, or sweet foods to reduce stimulation of the dental pulp.