Experiencing severe toothaches can be debilitating, affecting your ability to focus and enjoy spending quality time with the people you love. Seeking emergency dental care is essential when you encounter persistent pain in one of your teeth. Toothaches often intensify at night, disrupting sleep. Continue reading to discover the reasons behind this phenomenon, potential causes of toothaches, and preventive measures to alleviate discomfort.
7 Causes of Toothaches
Persistent tooth pain or dental aches can be incredibly uncomfortable and interfere with your daily life. Seeking prompt dental care is essential, as it may indicate an underlying issue that requires attention. There are several potential causes of a toothache, including: Repetitive actions, like gum chewing
- Teeth grinding, also called bruxism
- Damaged tooth fillings
- Tooth extractions
- The eruption of a tooth
- Infected gums
- Tooth decay
- A dental abscess
Why Toothaches Are More Noticeable at Night
Toothaches can intensify at night due to increased blood flow to the head when lying down, resulting in added pressure in sensitive areas of the mouth. Changes in the positions of the jaw and teeth during sleep can also contribute to the pain.
Bruxism, or teeth grinding and jaw clenching, can worsen toothaches at night as the added pressure exacerbates the pain. This condition often leads to discomfort in the jaw and surrounding areas, making it challenging to sleep.
6 Tips for Sleeping Through the Night with a Toothache
To find relief from a toothache and ensure a good night’s sleep until you can see an emergency dentist, consider these methods:
- Take over-the-counter pain medication – Taking medicines such as ibuprofen will help reduce pain and inflammation.
- Avoid certain foods and beverages – This includes ones that can irritate your teeth and worsen the toothache, such as sugary, spicy, acidic, or extremely hot or cold items.
- Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater – This can ease tooth discomfort and eliminate harmful bacteria.
- Practice good oral hygiene – Be sure to brush your teeth twice a day and floss every night before you go to bed to reduce the risk of cavities and tooth infections.
- Apply a cold compress – Using an ice pack or a cold compress on the affected tooth for 15-minute intervals to alleviate pain and swelling.
- Elevate your head with a pillow – This will reduce blood flow to the affected area and relieve toothache symptoms.
Remember, if you are experiencing persistent tooth pain, it’s essential to seek professional dental care as soon as possible. A toothache could be a sign of an underlying issue that requires attention. Your dentist will be able to diagnose the cause of the pain and provide appropriate treatment to alleviate your discomfort.
About the Practice
At South Arlington Dental Care, Dr. Prachi D. Shah leads a team that provides the highest quality dental care to patients of all ages. They offer a range of tailored services, including urgent dental appointments oral health issues, like toothaches, that require immediate care. With their expertise in toothache treatment, they can quickly get your smile back on track and alleviate pain. To schedule an appointment with South Arlington Dental Care or to learn more about their services, contact their office at (817) 860-2222 or visit their website.