Toothaches can severely affect your daily life, making it difficult to concentrate and enjoy activities with loved ones. Sleeping through the night may seem impossible due to the intensifying pain, which tends to worsen at night. Continue reading to understand the causes of toothaches, why they become more severe at night, and learn tips on how to get some sleep until you can see an emergency dentist.
7 Causes of Toothaches
Dental pain or toothaches can cause significant discomfort and affect daily activities. It is important to seek dental treatment if you experience persistent or severe tooth pain, as it may indicate a more serious underlying issue. Toothache can have various causes, including:
- Chewing gum and other repetitive motions
- A tooth erupting from the gums
- Teeth grinding (bruxism)
- Damaged dental fillings
- Having a tooth pulled
- A dental abscess
- Infected gums
- Tooth decay
Why Toothaches Are More Noticeable at Night
Toothaches are often more noticeable at night due to increased blood flow to the head while lying down. This can lead to pressure buildup in sensitive areas of the mouth, intensifying the pain. Additionally, lying down can cause changes in the position of the jaw and teeth, exacerbating the pain.
Bruxism, characterized by jaw clenching and teeth grinding, can also contribute to toothaches being worse at night. This condition often occurs while asleep, and the added pressure can exacerbate an existing toothache. Additionally, jaw clenching can also cause discomfort in the jaw and surrounding areas, making it difficult to sleep.
6 Tips for Sleeping Through the Night with a Toothache
Toothache requires an immediate visit to an emergency dentist. However, there are ways to reduce the pain and sleep comfortably until the visit, including:
- Take pain medication – Over-the-counter pain medication, like Ibuprofen, can help relieve pain and reduce swelling.
- Avoid certain foods – Avoid consuming foods that are acidic, sweet, hot, cold, or sharp as they may exacerbate tooth pain.
- Rinse your mouth –One way to soothe dental pain and kill bacteria is by rinsing your mouth with a mixture of 1/2 teaspoon of salt and eight ounces of warm water.
- Practice good oral hygiene – To reduce the chances of getting cavities and tooth infections, make sure to brush your teeth twice daily and floss before going to bed.
- Use a cold compress – To reduce pain and inflammation, apply an ice pack to the area where the painful tooth is located in 15-minute increments.
- Elevate your head – Using a pillow to prop up your head can help reduce blood flow to your head, which can alleviate toothache symptoms.
About the Practice
Advanced Smile Design, led by Dr. Krunal Patel and Dr. Poorvi Gandhi, is a trusted dental practice serving Willow Grove and nearby communities. Their team is dedicated to providing the highest level of customer service and personalized care to patients of all ages. They offer a wide range of services, including emergency appointments for urgent oral health issues, like toothaches. Whether you need a routine cleaning or more complex dental treatment, their skilled team is equipped to help. To schedule an appointment with Advanced Smile Design or to learn more about their services, call (215) 659-3334 or visit their website.
