At the end of a long day, you may want nothing more than to get into bed. As you get cozy under your covers, dreamland may be calling your name. However, if you have tooth pain, then it may worsen at night. This may leave you confused, so here are four reasons why this can happen and how your emergency dentist can give you the relief you deserve.
Change in Position
When you are lying down, your heart is level with the rest of your body and face. This makes it easier to pump blood upward, which increases your blood pressure. This is normal, but it can make the toothache you have more pronounced than it was during the day.
Less Distractions
Many people enjoy sleeping in silence. While this can help you doze off, fewer distractions can be the reason why your pain is worsening. Without anything drawing your attention, you can focus more on the things your body is telling you.
Teeth Grinding & Clenching
When you wake up and you feel a strong toothache, you may be grinding or clenching your teeth while you sleep. This subconscious habit is called bruxism, but it may be hard to spot since you don’t know when it’s happening. Enamel wear and jaw soreness are a couple of signs to watch for.
Midnight Snacking
Before bed, you may eat a small snack to subside any hunger. If so, a piece of food may be stuck between your teeth. This can be uncomfortable, so make sure you brush and floss afterward to remove the morsel and lower your risk of cavities.
Should You Visit Your Dentist About Your Toothache?
In short, yes! It’s important to visit your dentist no matter how severe your toothache is. Your provider can take a look at your smile and spot any oral health issues that may be to blame for your discomfort. That way, you receive the treatment you need to get relief. If it’s just a piece of food that’s to blame, it may not warrant a visit, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
About the Practice
Struggling with a toothache? Our team at Indy Dental Group is dedicated to helping patients with their pain by offering a wide range of treatments. Led by compassionate dentists, we can oftentimes see you the same day; that way, you can get the solution you need as soon as possible. If your tooth has been hurting, schedule an appointment or call any of our seven offices closest to you.