Whether mild or severe, tooth pain is usually a sign that something isn’t right and requires dental treatment. However, for many people, the discomfort seems to worsen at night, making it difficult to fall asleep. Toothaches can have a variety of underlying causes. Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to ease the pain until you can see your dentist. Continue reading to find out why tooth pain often intensifies at night and how you can achieve a more restful sleep.
Sleeping Position
When you lie down, your head aligns with your heart, lungs, and limbs, causing blood to rush toward your upper body. This increased circulation to your face, mouth, and sinuses can make sensitive areas around a problem tooth feel more painful than during the day when you’re upright.
Increased Blood Circulation
The increase in blood flow when lying flat can create more pressure around an already sensitive tooth. This added pressure intensifies discomfort, making tooth pain feel significantly worse compared to when you’re standing or sitting.
Unconscious Teeth Grinding
Bruxism, or chronic teeth grinding, is a common issue many people experience without realizing it. This subconscious habit often occurs due to stress, anxiety, TMJ disorders, or sleep apnea. Over time, grinding your teeth can strain the ligaments around your tooth roots, making them sore and painful. Using a custom-fitted nightguard can help protect your teeth and reduce the stress on your jaw and surrounding tissues.
TMJ Disorders
If you suspect temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, it may be contributing to your nighttime toothaches. Symptoms of TMJ disorders include jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds, headaches, earaches, and tooth pain. The tension in the TMJ, which is located near your back teeth, can put extra pressure on tooth roots, particularly the molars. This strain can lead to soreness and discomfort that feels worse at night.
Cracked Tooth or Damaged Dental Work
A cracked tooth or damaged dental appliance, such as a filling or crown, isn’t always obvious. These issues may only cause pain when pressure is applied, such as when grinding your teeth or lying in a way that shifts pressure onto the affected area. At night, the added stress can aggravate a cracked tooth or compromised dental work, increasing pain. If you suspect this is the case, it’s essential to visit your dentist promptly to prevent further damage or complications.
What You Can Do
To ease nighttime tooth pain, try elevating your head with extra pillows to reduce blood flow to the painful area. Over-the-counter pain relievers can also help manage discomfort temporarily. Avoid eating or drinking anything too hot, cold, or sugary before bed, as these can exacerbate sensitivity.
About the Practice
At Premier Dentistry of the Palm Beaches, we’re committed to providing top-tier dental care and exceptional customer service. Led by Dr. Shevy, we offer patient-focused solutions in a comfortable and convenient setting. We’re proud to say we’re open late and on Saturdays, so we’re here when you need us to address a toothache. You can book an emergency appointment via our website or call (561) 202-2220.