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You’ve gone through your entire day without feeling much if any pain in your mouth. But as you’re getting ready to take a trip to dreamland, one of your teeth starts to hurt a bit. You haven’t had a toothache all day, but now one could be disrupting your sleep! Or maybe you had one, and it’s suddenly gotten worse.
That is an unfortunate circumstance that many people deal with: the haunting toothache. You may ask, “Why does it really start hurting during bedtime?” Well, there could be a few reasons; read on to discover them and learn how your emergency dentist can help!
Why Did My Toothache Get Worse at Night?
There are several explanations for why your toothache seems to strike at night. Some of the more common reasons are:
- Laying Down: As you get comfortable in bed and your head rests softly on your pillow, your blood pressure actually rises! It’s completely normal, as your heart is positioned in line with the rest of your body, making it easier to pump blood up toward your face. The increased blood flow can put more pressure on your mouth, making your toothache hurt a little more.
- Bruxism: This is a subconscious habit where you grind or clench your teeth. Doing it excessively can strain the little ligaments that hold your teeth in place. Bruxism can make them sore, and it may feel like a toothache.
- Less Distractions: As you go about your day, you may have a hundred different things to focus on. Perhaps you’re thinking about the bumpy road you drive on to get to work or the newest TV show that has your attention; they can distract you from your tooth pain. When you are going to bed, there are fewer distractions, allowing you to become more aware of a toothache.
- Late-Night Snacks: If you enjoy a little treat before bed and don’t clean your teeth afterward, it can lead to a toothache. The bacteria in your mouth consume the leftover bits and produce cavity-causing acid.
What Can I Do About My Toothache?
While these are not permanent solutions, they can lessen the pain during the night so you can call your dentist first thing in the morning:
- Prop your head up with an extra pillow
- Put a cold compress on the side of your mouth
- Take an over-the-counter pain medication
- Rinse with warm salt water
Toothaches always seem to hit harder at night, but you’re not alone, and it’s usually nothing to panic about. With a few tips to manage the pain, it can help for now but don’t wait too long to see your dentist. They will be able to take care of it so that you won’t lose any more sleep over it!
About the Practice
At Collins St. Dental of Arlington, we offer a range of services, including emergency dentistry, for when a toothache pops up out of nowhere. We can see you the same day, after hours, or even on weekends when a dental emergency arises. Just give our office a call! If you have an annoying toothache that won’t go away, schedule an appointment or call us at (817) 524-6654.