Completing daily tasks with a toothache can be challenging. It can be difficult to focus on anything else besides discomfort. When it’s time to lay down for bed, the pain seems to get even worse, but why is this? How is it possible for time of day to affect the intensity of your toothache. There is an explanation for this. Continue reading to learn why your toothache hurts worse at night and what you can do to lessen it.
Why Is Your Toothache More Painful at Night?
Blood Circulation
When you lay down in bed to go to sleep at night, more blood reshes to your head than when you are upright. This increase in blood flow can exert pressure on your already painful tooth, worsening this sensation.
Teeth Grinding
If you’ve woken up with tooth or jaw pain but it could be due to teeth grinding. Many people who do this don’t even know that it’s happening. It becomes apparent through morning headaches, toothaches, earaches, and other symptoms.
Fewer Distractions
When you go about your daily schedule, you could be distracted and busy enough to block out your discomfort. There are only so many things you can focus on at once. When it’s time to fall asleep, there is less going on to distract you from your tooth pain.
Late Snacking
Do you like to have a treat before bed? This could contribute to your toothache. Sugary treats cause plaque to build up on your teeth. This invisible film of bacteria lives on the surface of the teeth and gums. They weaken the enamel of the teeth when they feed on the sugar and produce avid. This can lead to enamel erosion and cavities.
How to Sleep with a Toothache
Elevate Your Head
Instead of laying down in your bed like you normally would, try to sleep in a reclined position to keep your head elevated. This way, not as much blood flows to your head, intensifying your toothache.
Avoid Eating Before Bed
Eating certain foods before going to sleep can make your toothache hurt more. Stay away from things that are acidic, cold, or hard before bed so they don’t trigger pain by aggravating cavities and other issues.
Take Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
Taking an over-the-counter pain reliever can help to temporarily reduce your discomfort until you see your emergency dentist in the morning.
Cold Compress
Using a cold compress helps to constrict the blood vessels in the area, numbing your discomfort. Cold temperatures can also help with inflammation and swelling. This is especially helpful if your toothache was caused by an injury.
Rinse with Salt Water
Rinsing your mouth with salt water helps to wash away food particles and naturally disinfect the area. Just mix ½ teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water.
Toothaches are especially difficult to handle at night. By using the tips above, you can get some relief until morning when the dental office opens.
About the Author
At Smile Castle Rock, Dr. Gary Radz and Dr. Glenn Thompson work together to treat patients in the Castle Rock community. With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything they need under one roof. If you are struggling with a toothache, they’d be happy to take a look. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit their website or call (303) 663-9600.