Toothaches are already not fun, so why does yours have to get worse when all you’re trying to do is go to bed? Believe it or not, there are actually some good answers to that question. Several things that could make a toothache worse at night, so keep reading to find out what they are – the problem might not be what you think it is!
Bedtime Snacks
Do you like to eat a snack before lying down at night? What kind of snack? The crunchy kind can be hard on your teeth, so if you’re making a habit out of midnight popcorn or bedside peanuts, that could be causing your strange toothache.
Alternatively, your late-night cravings could be triggering a different underlying issue. For instance, if you have sensitive teeth, they might react more to pressurized crunching. Or, if you have wisdom teeth hiding just below your gumline, a bedtime snack could very well irritate the back of your mouth.
Sinus Pressure and Blood Flow
When you’re standing up, your organs and blood flow weigh on you differently than when you’re lying down. If you’re congested, bending over or settling into bed shifts your swollen sinuses so that they exert more pressure on your teeth. This is also why you might feel like you’re breathing through a straw when trying to sleep with a cold!
In a similar vein, your blood flow actually increases while lying down. Normally the pressure would probably not affect your tooth too much, but if it’s already experiencing decay due to cavities, it’s likely to be more sensitive than usual.
Teeth Grinding
Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, can occur during the day while you’re conscious – or at night, while you’re unconscious! Your teeth are meant to hold up under some wear and tear, but the near-constant pressure caused by teeth grinding can be a bit much for them. Fortunately, if this is what’s causing your bedtime toothache, your dentist can provide you with a protective nightguard that will take the edge off your pearly whites.
To Be Sure, Talk to Your Dentist
When all is said and done, a nightly toothache should be taken seriously. Either your tooth is experiencing excess pressure, or an oral condition like tooth decay is making it more sensitive than it otherwise would be.
Unless you know congested sinuses are causing the problem, you should talk to your dentist to get to the bottom of things. Even if you don’t have something as dramatic as tooth decay, they can help you find relief for your symptoms. So don’t forget to give them a call in the morning!
About the Author
Dr. Praveena Muddana earned her dental degree from the New York University College of Dentistry. She believes that every patient should be greeted with compassionate care and prompt treatment. If you’re bothered by a toothache that gets worse at night, she’ll see you as soon as possible and work quickly to relieve your discomfort. To contact Dr. Muddana’s office and request a same-day emergency appointment, call 414-808-2003.