A toothache may not be so bearable, especially when it hurts even more at night. For some, their toothache appears to worsen at night, which makes it hard to fall asleep. Ever wonder why my teeth only hurt at night? You are not alone. Knowing why this happens will help you better deal with the discomfort and, above all, get relief. Here are four reasons why that toothache hurts the most at night and how to help manage it.
1. Blood Flow Increases When Lying Down
The flow of blood to your head and mouth increases when you are sleeping. This will enhance the level of pain in your teeth by several folds, especially when there is a condition in the hidden areas such as infection or inflammation. The swelling around the affected area will thus be enhanced, making your pain more severe.
What to Do:
- Try to sleep with your head raised up by the use of several pillows. That would also reduce the flow of blood to the head that eases down the pressure and pain in the tooth.
- Rub an ice pack positioned on your cheek over your cheek near the affected tooth in order to help reduce swelling and also anaesthetize the region.
2. Distraction Is Gone
The main reason why toothaches are more painful at night is that you often have to deal with work, school, or social activities during the day, which might divert your attention away from your dental discomfort. When you go to bed, your mind and body relax, and the pain becomes the dominant focus. Without distractions, even minor suffering might feel much worse.
What to Do:
- Try calming yourself with relaxation methods, like breathing or meditation, before going to sleep to shift your attention away from the discomfort.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen for nighttime toothache to help manage discomfort while you sleep.
3. Your Mouth Produces Less Saliva at Night
Throughout the day, your mouth produces saliva to counteract acids and eliminate bacteria. At night, salivary production slows, resulting in a mouth that might exacerbate dental pain, especially if there are cavities or gum infections.
What to Do:
- Remember to drink water before bed to stay hydrated and keep your mouth from drying out, which can help prevent irritation.
- Try using a mouthwash or toothpaste specifically made for the mouth to safeguard your teeth.
4. Pain Perception is Heightened at Night
The natural sleep-wake cycle of your body influences how it perceives pain levels differently throughout the day. During the nighttime, when your body is more at ease and relaxed overall, you may find yourself being more sensitive to pain sensations. Moreover, during this period the production of cortisol (the hormone for inflammation reduction) decreases, making it a challenge to manage any feelings of discomfort effectively.
What Should You Do?
- Consider using a pain-relieving gel directly on the affected tooth or gums if you experience toothache at night.
- If you’re experiencing pain for several nights in a row, schedule an appointment with your dentist to rule out any underlying issues, such as cavities or infections.
When to Seek Professional Help
If your toothache is severe, lasts more than a couple of days, or is accompanied by fever or swelling, it may be a sign of an infection or a more serious dental problem. In these cases, you should see a dentist as soon as possible. Why your toothache is keeping you up at night could be a sign that the issue is worsening, and only a professional can help determine the cause and provide the appropriate treatment.
Contact Dentists at Oakridge for Relief
If your toothache is keeping you up at night, don’t wait to seek help. Our experienced team of dentist in Vancouver can diagnose the underlying cause of your pain and provide effective treatment options to bring you relief. Whether it’s a cavity, gum infection, or something more serious, we’re here to help.
Call us today to schedule an appointment and get back to a pain-free life!
