If you have a toothache that gets worse just as you’re getting nice and cozy in bed, you’re not imagining things! This is actually a well-known effect of some toothaches, and your dentist won’t look at you like you’re crazy when you mention it. To get a better understanding of what’s triggering your nighttime oral aches and how to relieve your pain, keep reading.
Late-Night Munchies
It’s not uncommon for people to enjoy a late-night snack before bed. You might not think anything of it when you’re just trying to satisfy a rumbly tummy, but chewing a nighttime treat means you’re putting extra pressure on your already aching tooth.
If hard candies, nuts, or other crunchy munchies are your go-to treats, this could very well be the problem. Be mindful of what you eat just before bed, and try to eat a fuller meal at dinner to curb your midnight appetite.
Blood is Going with The Flow
When you’re standing up, gravity is working against your body’s blood flow. It generally takes longer for blood to rush to your head while in an upright position. While lying down, however, your blood is able to circulate much more easily. Basically, the changed flow could be putting more weight on your tooth than usual, causing more pain. Sleeping with your head elevated should do the trick!
Under Sinus Pressure
Congestion can make your teeth hurt even when you don’t have an active toothache. Human sinuses are located so close to your dental structure that when a cold or flu makes them swell, it exerts extra pressure on your pearly whites, especially while lying down! If this is the cause of your increased pain at night, elevating your head is once again the best short-term solution.
Accidental Bruxism
“Bruxism” is a term for people who grind and clench their teeth. Sometimes they do this out of stress or anxiety, and it’s not always a conscious habit. Sometimes people do it at night, while they’re fast asleep! Grinding or clenching a tooth that’s already aching would definitely make an uncomfortable situation worse. Try to calm yourself before bed, or wear a retainer or bruxism nightguard to soften the blow to your teeth.
While it’s possible to alleviate your nightly toothaches with some short-term solutions, you’ll ultimately have to visit your dentist for a permanent fix. Dental pain can be a sign of cavities, gum disease, or infection, which won’t go away on their own. So even if you manage to solve this strange problem, be sure to give your dentist a call in the morning!
About the Author
As part of his dental education, Dr. John White participated in a post-doctoral residency program at Wake Forest University’s Baptist Hospital and Bowman Gray School of Medicine. There, he gained invaluable experience in tooth extractions, sedation dentistry, and dental implants. Rest assured, if you have a toothache, Dr. White is well-qualified to provide pain-relieving treatment! To contact his office, call 828-684-3020.