A toothache is an ache or soreness in or around a tooth. This might cause slight to serious sensitivity, making it difficult for you to eat, drink, or sleep. A toothache is a frequent dental problem that can affect anyone at any point in their life. However, if you are experiencing sudden, severe tooth discomfort at night, you must be aware of its causes and how to cure it.
Why Is Tooth Pain Worse at Night?
Here are some reasons for nighttime tooth pain:
1. More Blood Circulation – When you recline on a flat pillow or surface, more blood flows to your head, putting pressure on your mouth and contributing to the discomfort. As a result, while standing or sitting, you may not feel the same throbbing or sharp pain.
2. Teeth Grinding – Teeth grinding puts a lot of pressure on the gums, jaws, and teeth. Teeth grinding at night might result in discomfort. Furthermore, tooth grinding can cause enamel erosion, migraines, tooth breakage, and TMJ (temporomandibular joint) problems. The simplest “fix” for tooth grinding is a custom-made night splint or guard. While this does not always stop the grinding, it will protect your teeth and gums from further harm while allowing you to sleep more comfortably.
3. Late-night Meals – Make sure to clean your teeth before going to bed especially if you’ve had sweet meals or beverages late at night. Otherwise, the bacteria (plaque) in your mouth will grow on the residual food particles, causing additional tooth discomfort. Food and drink create an acidified environment that bacteria thrive in and need to cause damage!
What If Your Tooth Hurts When You Wake up in the Morning?
You may also experience tooth pain in the morning due to:
1. Sinus Infection – A sinus infection can result in fluid accumulation above your teeth, causing pressure in your sinus cavity in your upper back molars. If the discomfort is only on one side of your face, it’s less likely to be a sinus condition or infection.
2. Cavities (Tooth Decay) – Untreated cavities can harm the tooth pulp, causing severe or sharp discomfort. Small cavities do not hurt; this is how decay can develop to a significant degree before you experience any symptoms that require attention.
3. Impacted Tooth – Teeth that are only marginally or completely impacted might cause toothache and swollen gums. This is most prevalent around the third molars, also known as wisdom teeth. In fact, pericoronitis is so common that it has its own name. Pericoronitis is a bacterial infection that can be treated, and your body may remove it if you have a mild case. You will require the aid of antibiotics, as well as having this tooth removed to ensure that the infection does not return.
4. TMJ Disorder – Tooth discomfort can be caused by an inflamed or irritated temporomandibular joint (the connection between your jawbone and the skull on either side of your face).
5. Tooth Abscess – A tooth abscess (a pocket of pus) in the root or gum may cause throbbing or severe tooth pain. To get rid of this source of infection, you’ll need to have this tooth cleansed using a root canal or have it removed.
6. Gum Diseases – When plaque builds up in the gum, it can cause toothache. Typically, moderate to severe periodontitis has been diagnosed by this time. Gum disease never causes any discomfort in the early phases; instead, your dentist will notice signs that you should get treatment sooner. To avoid significant damage and treat problems in the early phases, at least two visits
What Can You Do to Make the Tooth Pain Go Away?
Nothing is more frustrating than chronic tooth discomfort at night. You may, however, relieve your suffering and get a good night’s sleep with these easy-to-follow home treatments, as described below. Always have a complete dental examination to rule out the need for dental treatment. A tooth infection might develop into a serious and potentially fatal problem if not treated promptly. Any swelling in the mouth must be addressed as soon as possible by a professional dentist.
- Change Sleeping Positions: Sleeping with your head elevated on a raised cushion can reduce the severity of mouth soreness due to blood flow into the mouth.
- Clove Oil: Clove oil has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects. Soak a cotton ball in clove oil and apply it to the painful region until the discomfort fades away. You can also chew 20-30 minutes worth of clove bark until the pain goes away.
- Saltwater Rinse: Rinse your mouth with a warm saltwater solution if you have painful or swollen gums. Repeat this procedure 5-6 times per day (a teaspoon of salt for 8 oz of water). This will help clean wounds and infection sites, resulting in less discomfort.
- Cold Compress: Apply an ice pack or a cold compress on the afflicted side of the face or jaw for 10-15 minutes at a time and then 10-15 minutes off. This may help to reduce pain.
- Follow Good Oral Hygiene: Before going to bed, brush (with fluoride toothpaste) and floss twice a day, especially before bedtime, since they can aid in the removal of food particles that can cause discomfort.
These house cures can only offer short-term relief, and you should be seen by a dentist with experience. Relay your issues to your dental practitioner so that you are not kept waiting long and get an emergency appointment for an evaluation.
