Having a toothache can take a lot out of you, and so can a long day. That’s why when you finally get a chance to climb into bed at night, it would be nice to get some relief. Unfortunately, however, nighttime can often be worse for people with dental problems, because they can hurt a lot more when you’re trying to sleep. Here are a few things that could be causing your toothache to intensify at night, and what you can do to stop it!
Reclining
If you have a toothache, you might have wondered if it’s really worse at night, or if it’s “all in your head.” The truth is that when you lie down to sleep, your pain really can intensify. This is because when you are in a reclining position, your blood can rush to your head (including your mouth, face, sinuses and brain) and increase the pressure on your teeth. This in turn causes increased pain. If you notice this happening, try sleeping with your head inclined to alleviate some of the discomfort.
Bruxism
Do you grind your teeth at night? There’s a good chance if you do, you don’t even realize it! In fact, an estimated 10 to 15 percent of Americans do thanks to a condition called bruxism. If you are waking with a sore jaw or teeth, have unexplained tooth damage or excessive wear, you could be grinding your teeth while you sleep. If this sounds familiar, speak to your dentist about having a custom night guard made to help absorb the pressure caused by bruxism while you sleep. This will not only help protect them from damage but also alleviate some of the associated pain.
Late-Night Snacking
Sometimes you need a little nighttime nosh to help you get to sleep, but the foods you choose after hours aren’t always the healthiest. Unfortunately, if you have untreated tooth decay or sensitivity, your midnight snack could make your teeth hurt, especially if it’s something sweet or acidic. If you notice this happening, put away that pint of Rocky Road and make plans to schedule a visit to your dentist in the morning!
Remember, nighttime dental pain isn’t just your imagination. It can be very real for a variety of reasons. If you find your teeth or gums aching after you head to bed, don’t take it lying down. Schedule an appointment with your dentist today and get the comfortable rest you deserve!
About Dr. Giamberardino
Dr. Anthony Giamberardino is a skilled, caring dentist with a passion for providing excellent oral health care to patients of all ages. Dr. Giamberardino is the proud recipient of the Harvard Community Health Plan DIAMOND AWARD for excellence in patient care and staff satisfaction, a Fellow of the American College of Dentists, and a Member of the Executive Committee /Secretary of the Massachusetts Dental Society (MDS).
If you are suffering from a painful toothache that worsens at night, or any other dental emergency, please contact our office for an urgent appointment. We offer late hours and will make every effort to ensure that you are seen as soon as possible. To schedule, please visit our website or for faster service please call us directly at 781-396-3800.