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Brushing and flossing help prevent common oral issues, such as cavities and gum disease. However, there’s no guarantee that you’ll never experience a dental emergency, like a sudden or severe toothache. Unfortunately, if your discomfort develops overnight, you might have to wait until morning to reach out to your dentist’s office.
If you’ve noticed that the pain seems to intensify at night, you might worry that your condition has worsened, but there might be other reasons you’re noticing an increase in the ache after the day is done. Continue reading to learn 3 potential issues and how to address them!
Issue #1: Changed Position
Many patients complain that the throbbing in their tooth strengthens almost immediately when they settle down in bed to try to get some much-needed sleep. If you’ve noticed that your ache seems exaggerated when you’re lying horizontally, it is likely because the change in position allows gravity to pull more blood to your head, increasing the fluid pressure on the nerves in your already tender tooth.
Thankfully, this can be minimized by propping your head at an angle with several pillows or snuggling up in your favorite recliner, so your head remains above your heart.
Issue #2: Teeth Grinding
There’s a possibility that your toothache is caused by a chip or crack due to teeth grinding. Many people subconsciously clench their upper and lower arches together while sleeping in a condition known as bruxism. This habit can wear down your enamel, increasing your vulnerability to tooth decay, injuries, or other issues that can hurt.
Not only that, but if you already have a sore tooth, your nighttime bruxism might exacerbate the issue. If you have an oral appliance, like a nightguard or mouthguard, you might wear it to shield your smile so you can get some well-earned rest.
Issue #3: Lack of Distractions
As the sun sets in the evening and you go about your nightly routine, you might realize that your toothache feels more pronounced than it did earlier in the day. There’s a chance that this is because you’re done with your usual activities that keep your mind preoccupied.
Once the lights dim and there’s less to do, your brain has more bandwidth to focus on your discomfort. This can make it seem like the pain has increased, but there’s a good chance that you’re simply more aware of it. You might try listening to music or a podcast that helps you feel relaxed, or read a favorite book or magazine until you feel calm enough to drift off.
Then, as soon as your dentist’s office reopens, you can call them for a same-day visit to alleviate your toothache!
Meet the Author
Dr. Monica Mattson is a highly accomplished provider with 25+ years of experience helping families improve their daily lives by enhancing their oral health. She completed her dental education at Case Western Reserve in Cleveland, Ohio, where she graduated with honors. She then completed a General Practice Residency (GPR) in Dentistry and Medicine at the Naval Hospital at Camp Pendleton, CA. Today, she provides a comprehensive menu of services to people of all ages under one roof, including same-day emergency care. You can request an appointment on the website or call (443) 394-2273.