Imagine going through your entire day with little to no dental pain. Then, as you lay your head down on your pillow and bring your blanket closer, you start feeling your toothache a bit more.
If this is your reality, you may be curious why your tooth hurts more when you’re trying to rest. Read on to learn four reasons why your toothache gets worse at night and some tips to help while you wait till the morning to call your emergency dentist.
1.) Laying Down
Did you know that when you lay down, your blood pressure rises? That’s because your heart is now in line with the rest of your body, making it easier to pump blood to your head. Increased blood flow can put more pressure on your mouth, which can lead to your toothache getting worse.
2.) Unconscious Teeth Grinding
Also known as bruxism, this is a nighttime habit that you may not be aware of. You might be grinding or clenching your teeth during your sleep. It can strain the ligaments that hold your teeth in place, causing them to become sore, which can feel like a toothache.
3.) Less Distractions
During the daytime, you may have a hundred things to focus on. It could be what to eat for dinner, creating a mental grocery list, or jamming out to your favorite music, but they can distract you from your toothache. When it’s time to hit the hay, you may ensure your space is distraction-free. This can make you more aware of your tooth discomfort, as there is nothing else to focus on.
4.) Midnight Snacks
If you’re one to raid your fridge for a nightly snack, you are not alone. However, if you don’t brush and floss your teeth afterward, it could be the cause of your toothache. Without properly cleaning off any stuck foods, the bacteria in your mouth eat the leftover bits and produce cavity-causing acids.
Is There Anything I Can Do About My Toothache?
Thankfully, there are a few things you can do during the night to help you sleep. Remember that these are only temporary solutions, as only your dentist can find the root of your toothache and fix it for good. Some ways you can help your tooth discomfort are:
- Sleep with an extra pillow to prop your head up
- Place a compress over the side of your mouth that hurts
- Use over-the-counter pain medication
- Rinse your mouth with warm salt water
While a toothache is never a pleasant experience, it’s normal for them to feel worse at night. By following these tips and visiting your dentist as soon as possible can help ensure that it’s one less thing to get in the way of your rest.
About the Practice
At Dr. Euksuzian & Dr. Braatz Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we have been serving the Medford community for nearly 30 years. If you have a toothache that comes out of nowhere, our team of skilled dentists is here to treat you as quickly and effectively as possible.
Give our dental office a call, and we can walk you through how to handle the problem until you can visit us. If a tooth is causing you discomfort, schedule an appointment or call us at (609) 245-5184.
