Why Do Toothache Hurt More At Night
Toothaches are a recurrent issue that can cause intense pain and suffering. This ailment may be caused by tooth decay, gum disease, bruxism (grinding of teeth), dental abscesses, TMJ/TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder), or a sinus infection.
Toothaches are typically caused by tooth decay, resulting from weakened enamel. Over time, plaque bacteria in the mouth produce acids that corrode the softer dentin layer underneath, which can cause cavities to form if left unchecked.
Toothaches can be incredibly uncomfortable during the day, yet they can become even more agonizing at night for some people.
So why do toothaches hurt more at night? If you’re interested in knowing more, we invite you to continue reading as we’re going to talk about this topic in today’s article.
Why It Hurts More At Night Time
The intense agony of a toothache at night can be a real nuisance to many individuals. This is due to numerous factors, such as the fact that when you are lying down and not engaged in activities or endeavors, any discomfort in your mouth will become more apparent.
Secondly, reduced saliva production during the night can make it harder for your body to fight infection and keep your teeth clean, resulting in increased pain. Additionally, certain people may be more sensitive to pain at night due to hormonal changes.
An alternative explanation for heightened tooth pain during the night may be because of our body’s positioning; we often slump when sitting up in bed or sleep face down, with our head on the pillow, causing additional pressure to build around our jaws and teeth that can worsen an existing dental issue.
Another likely cause of heightened sensitivity in teeth during sleep could be attributed to decreasing hormone levels in the body. Since these hormones decrease, less blood is sent to the head region for healing and repair; this, in turn, decreases the chances of improving any existing inflammation or infection overnight and can lead to more achy and uncomfortable teeth.
Research also indicates that nerve endings may be involved in this occurrence. During the night, when much of our body is tranquil and immobile, we don’t experience regular stimulants like talking or eating as often; thus increasing our sensitivity to any toothache-related distress. Furthermore, since our minds are not preoccupied with other worries during peaceful sleep, any painful sensations triggered by aching teeth become more noticeable.
It is essential to understand that your body is naturally more sensitive to pain after dark due to its natural circadian rhythm. This can explain why toothache tends to increase in intensity at night, as opposed to during the day. In other words, any discomfort you experience later in the evening will likely be much worse than it would have been earlier.
Moreover, if your anxiety and stress levels are high before bedtime due to worries about dental health, the toothache will intensify.
How To Alleviate Toothache Pain During Bedtime
To improve your nighttime rest and decrease the intensity of tooth pain, it is essential to understand why this phenomenon occurs. By understanding this, you will be able to take steps that will help reduce your discomfort.
Maintaining proper oral health, bypassing sugary snacks prior to bedtime, and utilizing over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can all help in alleviating your agony.
In particular, excellent dental hygiene is indispensable for strong teeth, gums, and overall well-being. Establishing positive habits such as brushing with fluoride toothpaste and flossing can prevent the accumulation of plaque or tartar on your teeth, which in turn may cause excruciatingly painful cavities.
Aside from that, consuming sugary snacks before bedtime can cause an increase in the production of acid in your mouth and form plaque on your teeth. These factors can irritate and inflame your teeth, bringing about more extreme levels of agony at night. To avoid such discomfort, it is suggested to refrain from indulging in sweet treats prior to sleeping.
If your toothache is keeping you up at night, then consider taking ibuprofen or acetaminophen. These over-the-counter medications help reduce inflammation in the affected area and block out any external temperature stimulus that could make it worse, such as an open window or cold food. Taking them before bedtime will lessen the amount of tooth pain felt, so you can get some much-needed rest.
To attain a peaceful sleep despite having an agonizing toothache, also consider tactics such as applying cold compresses or heating packs to the affected area and refraining from eating hard foods that place tension on the delicate region. These fuss-free measures can enable you to rest easily at night.
Furthermore, attenuating levels of stress and utilizing relaxation tactics can also be advantageous in handling agonizing night time tooth pain.
Final Thoughts
If your toothache persists for more than a few days, it is best to visit a dentist right away. They will provide the necessary evaluation of your dental health and help you determine what course of treatment is required. In the meantime, these quick tips can temporarily manage your pain and offer some much-needed relief so that you can get a good night’s rest.