Toothaches are not limited to any time of the day; however, their incidence is much higher at night, making it feel awfully longer than it actually is. If you are curious to learn why this happens, then our blog is the perfect piece of reading for you. Find out why this happens, followed by methods of relief.
7 Reasons Behind Increased Nighttime Toothaches
Toothaches strike at unusual times and frequently at night while you are trying to get some shut-eye. But why does this happen? Let’s find out.
1. Lying Down
When you lie down to sleep, your head aligns with your heart, lungs, and limbs, creating a field for blood flow and pressure that increases the flow to your face, sinuses, and brain. This overpressure presses against sensitive areas in your mouth, making your teeth hurt all night.
2. Unconscious Teeth Grinding
Chronic teeth clenching and involuntary grinding are called bruxism in the dental world. Usually, the condition develops as a subconscious response to stress, anxiety, TMJ disorder, or sleep apnea. This constant strain on the ligaments results in soreness that mimics a toothache.
3. Cavities
They hurt when they feel like it (due to triggers) and are not on a schedule. Throbbing pain from a specific area of your mouth means cavities have progressed into deeper layers.
4. Gum Recession
The teeth roots are more sensitive than the upper portion – crown by virtue of nature. When they get exposed due to recession from the surface, your teeth become prone to pain. Anything from cold water to brushing right before bedtime can trigger discomfort.
5. TMJ Disorders
TMJ disorders are the flag bearer of jaw pain, clicking and popping, headaches, and tooth pain. You may wake up with a sore jaw or mild jaw movement, making breakfast a task. The tension in your jaw causes throbbing, especially in the molars.
6. Broken Tooth or Use of Dental Appliance
In case you have cracked teeth or have damaged ones from previous dental work, the problematic area remains painless until pressure is applied. Grinding your teeth at night irritates these areas, making your teeth hurt at night.
7. Late-Night Munching
Snacking right before bed means food and drink entering your mouth, which may irritate existing issues such as cavities, gum recession, or even leaky fillings.
How to Relieve Toothache Surging At Nighttime?
Here are a few effective remedies to help you find relief before your dental appointment:
- OTC (Over-the-counter) Pain Medication: Take the pain medication as per your pharmacists’ recommendation if taking OTC ones, preferably anti-inflammatory NSAID.
- Elevate Your Head: It is beneficial to pop your head up with the help of extra pillows or sleep in a reclined position to keep your head elevated, minimizing the blood flow.
- Cold Compress: Make a cold compress and put it to the side of your mouth that aches at night to reduce inflammation and numb the pain.
- Decongestant: If you suspect sinus pressure or infection, a decongestant can aid in relieving congestion and release pressure on your teeth.
- Home Remedies: You can ask your dentist to approve some home remedies, like the use of saltwater rinses or clove oil, for your case.
Closing Note
In a nutshell, if your teeth hurt a lot at night, the reason is usually due to excessive blood flow while lying down. Other than that, teeth grinding, cavities, gum recession, etc., might be triggering it too. Get in touch with teeth experts from Sair Dental at 8410 Fondren Road, Houston, TX 77074 (832) 924-2666 and 10345 Club Creek Dr, Houston, TX 77036 (281) 558-1199 locations for more information regarding this.