Toothaches can be a literal pain in the neck, but some say that the misery can be worse at some times than others. While toothaches can be prevented with proper oral hygiene and regular dental examinations and cleanings, people experiencing them often report that the pain gets worse at night. Read on to find out why a toothache might feel worse when you’re trying to sleep.
What’s a Toothache?
Toothaches are characterized by pain in or around the tooth. Some are caused by temporary gum irritation that can be treated at home. Others are caused by cavities, infections, or other conditions that need a dentist’s attention to be resolved. Symptoms can include:
- Dull, sharp, jabbing, or throbbing pain
- Teeth sensitivity
- Swollen gums
- Headache
- Bad breath or bad taste
- Fever or chills
Why Would a Toothache Get Worse at Night?
Maybe you’ve had a long, busy day. It’s bedtime and you’re tired. You’ve noticed a dull ache at times throughout the day, but you had things to do and didn’t think much of it. Then you lay down in bed and realize that the sting in your mouth seems much sharper now. What’s going on?
There are fewer distractions at night
The night is a quiet time. Nobody is mowing their lawn outside, traffic isn’t as heavy, and the people in your house are trying to sleep. Just like having fun can distract you from how hungry you are, the activities of the day can distract you from your toothache. When these distractions are gone, your brain doesn’t have anything to draw its attention from that throbbing feeling in your mouth.
Blood rushing to the head
Your circulatory system, like everything else, is affected by gravity. Because people typically go about their days standing and sitting upright, the heart must work harder to get blood up to the brain. When you lay down for the evening, the blood circulates much more easily around the head and can exert pressure from inside the sore tooth. It’s not much different from what would happen if you started poking at it.
Grinding your teeth
Maybe you wake up to radiating pain in your teeth. This can be due to you grinding your teeth in your sleep. Many people who grind their teeth at night do so without realizing it. It can cause headaches or sleepiness during the day and over time it can damage the teeth. The best treatment for teeth grinding is a custom mouth guard from your dentist.
Nighttime is supposed to be a time to relax, but a toothache can spoil this crucial period of rest. An untreated toothache is a miserable thing to live with and can lead to a nasty infection. If you experience a toothache that won’t go away after a day, consult with your dentist.
About the Author
Dr. James K. Kramer has more than thirty years of experience in dental medicine. He earned his DMD at the Temple University School of Dentistry and maintains membership with their periodontal, endodontics, oral surgery, and prosthodontics honor societies. He has earned a Mastership in the Academy of General Dentistry, an honor he shares with fewer than 5% of dentists in the U.S. For more information on treating toothaches, contact him online or dial (302) 436-5133.