Dealing with a toothache throughout the day can nuisance. While taking medicine and keeping yourself distracted can help, what can you do once it’s time to go to bed? If you’re wondering why the pain seems to increase at night, keep reading to discover three reasons it may be happening and what you can do to alleviate the discomfort.
Reason #1: Teeth Grinding
If you have a bad habit of grinding your teeth at night, this unhealthy habit can cause you to develop additional tooth pain while you’re sleeping. Whether brought on by stress, TMJ, or sleep apnea, it can wear down your tooth enamel and lead to worsening joint discomfort throughout your jaw.
To treat this type of problem, it’s best to speak to your local dentist to discuss the reason for your teeth grinding (bruxism) and what can be done to address it. Depending on the underlying cause, you might benefit from a custom nightguard, sleep apnea or TMJ treatment, or adopting healthy lifestyle habits to alleviate stress (i.e., talking to a counselor, meditation, breathing exercises, etc.).
Reason #2: Damaged Tooth
You may not notice it until you lay down to go to bed, but if you have a cracked or broken tooth, additional pressure placed on the head can cause discomfort. When lying down, blood moves to the brain, so it causes additional strain on your teeth. As a result, you may be prone to bruxism, which can spur sudden pain.
Talking to your dentist about seeking restorative treatment for your damaged tooth sooner rather than later will allow you to get the help you need to avoid more painful bedtime experiences. It will also improve the state of your oral health and prevent the need for complex or extensive procedures down the road.
Reason #3: Cavities
While some patients experience discomfort when a cavity forms, others may never know it’s there unless it is discovered by a trusted dental professional. However, it is possible for a decayed tooth to cause an aching feeling when preparing to go to bed.
Throbbing or sharp pain may form, making it difficult to get comfortable and go to sleep. While you can take OTC medication and use a cold compress to help minimize tenderness, it’s imperative to seek essential restorative care to address the cavity-stricken tooth and improve the overall state of your smile.
Don’t let your bedtime routine be marred by nighttime pain. Be proactive about taking proper care of your teeth and gums so that you not only maintain a healthier smile but also get the adequate rest you need.
About the Author
Dr. Sherly Alex is an experienced dentist in Wayne who cares about the health and future of patients’ smiles. Delivering one-of-a-kind service and treatment to individuals, she and the team at Main Line Dental Group offer restorative and emergency dental care so that patients can experience relief from pain and unexpected damage. If you have a toothache that is making it hard to get the sleep you need, contact us at (610) 971-0717 to learn what we can do to help.