Peaceful, restful sleep is what people aim to have at night, but for some, it can be a luxury they can’t afford. For instance, if you suffer tooth pain that seems to worsen at night, it can be extremely difficult to have a whole night’s sleep.
Why does toothache worsen at night, and how can you solve this problem? Keep reading to learn more.
1. Extra Blood Pressure When Lying Down
When you lie down and go to sleep, your blood pressure decreases. This can cause more blood flow to the gums, teeth, and jaw. The increased blood flow can cause the body to produce more fluid, which can build up in your gums and lips, causing pain.
2. Late-Night Meals
Late-night meals can have adverse effects on teeth. A study showed that eating a snack just before bed can increase heartburn and acid reflux, causing more issues for those with sensitive teeth.
3. Reduced Saliva
Saliva is a natural defense against bacteria and helps prevent tooth decay. When you sleep, you are not salivating as much as during the day, so your risk of tooth decay can increase. Plus, saliva also helps wash away the acid, so if you aren’t salivating at night, you can wake up in the morning with an extremely painful mouth.
4. Gum Recession
If you grind your teeth at night, you can cause gum recession, which is when your gums pull away from your teeth. The tension from this pulling can create more pain in the mouth.
5. TMJ Disorder
TMJ disorder refers to an issue in the temporomandibular joint located in your lower jaw. This joint is responsible for moving your mouth, cheeks, and tongue. If you grind your teeth at night, you can increase the pain in your TMJ, which can lead to headaches and other issues.
6. Cavities
Cavities can be extremely painful, and even if you wake up with pain, you might be tempted to go back to sleep to get through the day. However, you must find a way to address the cavity pain to prevent it from worsening.
7. Unconscious Teeth Grinding
Grinding teeth can wear down their enamel, causing the teeth to become more sensitive and more vulnerable to sensitivity problems.
How Can You Fix Tooth Pain at Night?
If you are experiencing nighttime tooth pain, you should try to find out what’s causing it so you can fix the problem:
1. Maintain Oral Hygiene
Even if you are experiencing tooth pain at night, you still need to maintain good oral hygiene. Remember to brush and floss after every meal so you can prevent cavities.
2. Use a Mouthguard
If you grind your teeth at night, you can solve this problem by wearing a mouth guard to help you relax your jaw muscles.
3. Visit an Emergency Dental Clinic
If the tooth pain is so severe that it’s hard to sleep, you should visit the emergency dental clinic to find out what’s causing the toothache. There could be decay causing the pain.
Final Thoughts
Tooth pain is extremely common, and most people think it’s normal, but you can take action to correct the problem so you can enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep. If you are having trouble sleeping with tooth pain, contact a dental clinic to discuss your options for pain relief.
Are you looking for an emergency dental clinic in Troy, MI? Book an appointment at Dental First today. Our dental team will help you resolve your concerns, from teeth extractions to cosmetic dental services.
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