It’s not your imagination, toothaches can be more unbearable at night. If you always have a toothache, you may feel that it gets worse at night. Worse still (if that’s the case), you have little choice for relief, and it’s even harder to get much-needed rest due to jaw, neck or head discomfort due to dental issue. This reveals why toothaches are worse at night and why it’s important to take care of your teeth. When you experience any level of toothache or feel that something is not right, experience excessive bleeding, or feel any pain bothering you, it is best to consult your dentist. They can help you get to the root of the problem and relieve the pain.
What You Should Know About Nocturnal Toothache and Causes of Nighttime Toothache
Night Treats
It is common for toothache that worsens at night to be linked to your eating habits. You are a good candidate for tooth decay and possibly pain, especially if you enjoy sweet and sugary snacks right before bed and don’t brush and floss well afterwards. This is because plaque, the invisible layer of bacteria found on the surface of your teeth and gums, develops on sugar. When you do anything late at night, you need to brush and floss afterward. Otherwise, the plaque stays in your mouth until the morning you brush it again. Plaque loves sugar and produces acid that causes cavities. Cavities are one of the leading causes of dental pain and gum disease, which can contribute to pain. Brush well and floss before bed to minimize the growth of these bacteria instead of allowing them to grow.
Those who neglect their oral hygiene, including brushing their teeth until morning, are more likely to experience tooth decay, gum disease and pain. Try cutting back on sugary desserts, or at least brush your teeth after a late evening meal and see how that goes. If your toothache has eased, you may have found the cause of this discomfort.
Reduction in Distraction
Another reason why your toothache hurts more at night is because you have less to occupy and distract you. As you unwind from the day and get ready for bed, you will likely notice an increase in pain because there is less on your mind to focus on. Compared to the hustle and bustle of your daily life, the night is quieter and therefore the perfect time for your toothache to come to the fore. A highly respected general dentist in your area can help you determine how to better deal with those pesky toothaches, especially if they don’t go away after a few days.
Blood Circulation
Another possible culprit for toothache could be your increased blood circulation while you sleep. By lying in bed, you can get more blood flowing to your brain and put more pressure on your teeth. This means that a toothache that can be endured while standing or sitting throughout the day can suddenly feel much worse when you go to bed. Speaking of sleeping, if you wake up with a toothache, you may be grinding your teeth while you’re in deep sleep.
Make Your Care Plan for Your Dental Health
A strong commitment to good habits and preventive dental care can prevent toothache and help you avoid dental emergencies. It is important to consult your dentist, especially if you are bothered by toothache that does not go away at night.