Settling into bed after a busy day often brings a sigh of relief and an eagerness to drift off to sleep. You’ve done your work, and now you’re ready to get much-needed rest. But what happens when you notice that your toothache is keeping you awake? The throbbing and discomfort make it hard to fall asleep, but what can you do? Learn what is causing the worsening pain and when to see your emergency dentist.
Why Is Your Tooth Pain Getting Worse at Night?
Wouldn’t it be more convenient if your toothache bothered you during the day so that you could call your dentist during normal business hours? It would, but in many cases, it waits until you are ready for sleep before becoming a real nuisance.
Here are a few reasons why you might be noticing more discomfort at bedtime:
- You’re Lying Down: When your head hits the pillow, the change in elevation from standing to lying down causes the blood to flow toward your face, mouth, and brain. As a result, the added pressure can increase your discomfort.
- You’re Grinding Your Teeth: You may not grind your teeth throughout the day, but at night, it can happen unknowingly. When clenching your jaw, ligaments attached to your tooth roots can become sore, making your pain worse.
- You Enjoyed a Snack Before Bed: Grabbing a snack or beverage for bed might not seem like a big deal, but your bothersome tooth might disagree. Food that settles needs to be removed with brushing and flossing. Otherwise, you’ll get less sleep because of the nagging pain.
Instead of agonizing over a toothache that won’t go away, you can try at-home remedies to help you sleep. An over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication or a cold compress may be all you need to experience relief. Or you can try propping your head up with extra pillows to keep it elevated.
Whatever you try, call your emergency dentist first thing in the morning.
When to Call Your Emergency Dentist
The general rule is if you’re in pain, call your emergency dentist. It may be nothing for you to worry about, but it’s best to err on the side of caution. It could be a more serious issue (infection, abscess, damage, or decay) that requires their expertise to fix, so calling to schedule an appointment will give you greater peace of mind.
Now that you know what might be causing your nighttime toothache, you can make changes to avoid unnecessary pain. And don’t forget to call your emergency dentist to get their opinion on your situation.
About Grand Dental – Oz Park
At Grand Dental – Oz Park, our emergency dentists are here to see you as soon as you need care after a dental injury. You’ll benefit from their expertise and our state-of-the-art technology as we identify the problem, make a plan, and deliver prompt emergency care for maximum relief. If you have a toothache that is making it hard to sleep, visit our website or call (773) 871-3393 to schedule an appointment.