Toothaches are never fun. Whether mild or severe, they require dental treatment to address the underlying problem. Although the pain may be manageable during the day, it could get more intense when you go to bed. Since toothaches come from many different sources, there are a few remedies you can try to buy you time until you reach the dentist’s office. Read on to learn why your tooth pain feels worse at night and what you can do to get back to enjoying a comfortable night’s rest again!
Sleeping Position
When you lay down in bed, your head drops down onto the same level as your heart, lungs, and limbs. This position leads to a rush of blood toward your face, mouth, sinuses, and brain. Unfortunately, the extra blood pressure could trigger slightly sensitive areas, causing them to hurt more than usual.
Increased Blood Circulation
As mentioned earlier, laying down causes more blood to rush to your brain. Having increased blood circulation means you’re more likely to experience more tooth pain than if you were standing. The blood flow exerts pressure on the painful tooth, causing you to have more discomfort.
Unconscious Teeth Grinding
Many people suffer from bruxism (chronic teeth grinding) without even knowing it! The subconscious habit usually occurs because of issues like stress, anxiety, TMJ disorder, and sleep apnea. If you’re constantly clenching your teeth at night, you’ll gradually strain the ligaments holding your tooth roots in place, making them sore to the point where they feel pain. You should consider sleeping with a nightguard to relieve some of the stress on your teeth and soft tissues.
TMJ Disorders
Think you may have temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder? Some common symptoms include jaw pain, popping, clicking, headaches, earaches, and tooth pain. Another indication is waking up with a sore jaw or limited range of motion. While your TMJ is behind your back teeth, the tension it causes may be exerting extra force onto the roots of your teeth. Your teeth could get sore and start to ache, especially the molars since they take on the brunt of the pressure.
Broken Tooth or Dental Appliance
Cracked teeth aren’t always noticeable. You may not feel any pain until pressure is applied to them. If you have broken enamel or damaged dental work, you might not realize it until nighttime. Grinding your teeth at night could cause broken areas to get irritated from the extra stimuli. Make sure you see your dentist as soon as possible to prevent further complications.
About the Practice
At Long Family Dental of Midlothian, we make sure our patients receive personalized care and attention unlike anywhere else. From routine checkups to complex restorative treatments to smile-saving emergency dentistry, we’re prepared to meet all of your oral health needs. If you’re experiencing intense tooth pain at night, don’t hesitate to reach out for relief. You can schedule an appointment via our website or call (972) 775-3192.