After a long day, you may be ready to listen to the siren’s call that is your bed. It lures you in with the promise of a gentle, restful sleep. As you close your eyes and start to feel yourself sink into your mattress, a toothache begins to disrupt your comfort. Maybe you didn’t have one during the day, so why is it happening now?
There are many reasons for dental pain, like an infected tooth; however, you might be wondering why it gets worse at night. Continue reading to learn more about a nighttime toothache and how your emergency dentist can help.
Why is My Toothache Getting Worse During the Night?
A toothache that strikes at night is a common occurrence for many people. There are reasons why it happens, such as:
- Lying Down: When you lie down to go to bed, your blood pressure rises a bit. It’s entirely normal because your heart can more easily pump blood around your body without fighting gravity. The extra pressure can make your dental discomfort more pronounced.
- Fewer Distractions: With so many things that keep your attention during the daytime, they don’t have that power during the night. The only thing you can focus on is the whirring of your fan and what your body needs. Your tooth can be hurting more because you don’t have so many things that distract you from it.
- Midnight Food Raids: Many people get up during the night and enjoy a snack. Be sure to redo your oral hygiene routine because food particles get stuck in your mouth. Bacteria eat away at these bits and produce enamel-dissolving acids, which can lead to a toothache.
- Bruxism: This habit is when you subconsciously grind or clench your teeth. It causes excess pressure on your smile and makes your mouth sore, leading to the discomfort you may know all too well.
How Can I Get Rid of My Toothache?
The best way to solve a nagging toothache is to visit your dentist! Oral health issues cannot go away on their own, so a checkup is your best option. For instance, if you have an infected tooth, then it can eventually spread to other teeth and your gums when left untreated.
That being said, there are some ways you can alleviate the discomfort for a few nights before you visit your dentist. You can sleep with your head elevated by using an extra pillow or take over-the-counter medications! It’s important to remember that these are only temporary solutions. Be sure to call your dentist in the morning to find the root of the problem!
About the Practice
At Windermere Dentistry, you benefit from a team of skilled dentists who are dedicated to solving oral health issues. We have same-day emergency appointments, so a nagging toothache doesn’t have to haunt you for a long time. With state-of-the-art technology, we diagnose the problem and find the right treatment for you, whether that’s a root canal or another service. If you are having some tooth trouble, schedule an appointment or call us at (407) 909-1099.