Tooth pain is one of the most powerful and distracting types of discomfort. If you have a toothache, you should certainly call your emergency dentist and request an appointment ASAP. But what if you have to wait a day or two before you can get care? You may find that sleeping with your toothache is especially difficult; many people feel that the pain gets worse at night! Why does this happen, and what can you do to find relief? This blog post provides helpful information.
Why the Pain Worsens at Night
There are a number of reasons why your toothache may intensify at night:
- Changes in Blood Circulation: When you lie down, blood rushes to your head, increasing pressure around your painful tooth.
- Lack of Distraction: Without daytime activities to keep you busy, your brain focuses more on the pain signals coming from your mouth.
- Sinus Congestion: This issue often worsens at night, causing additional pressure on your upper teeth.
- Unconscious Teeth Grinding: Many people unconsciously grind and clench their teeth during sleep. If you wake up in the middle of the night, you may find that your pain is a lot worse than when you first went to bed.
- Eating: Late-night snacks or drinks, especially sugary or acidic foods, can irritate already sensitive teeth.
- Anxiety: Do you tend to worry more at night? This can direct your attention to the pain and may make it seem worse.
Tips for Sleeping with Tooth Pain
Being tired makes everything feel worse, so it is important that you take steps to get some sleep — even when you are suffering from a toothache. Here are some tips that might help:
- Take an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, following the instructions on the packaging. You can also try a topical oral numbing agent.
- Prop your head up with extra pillows to reduce blood flow to your head and decrease pressure on the sore tooth.
- Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek near the affected area for 15-20 minutes to help numb the pain. (Be careful not to fall asleep while the compress is on your skin.)
- Rinse your mouth gently with warm salt water before bedtime to soothe discomfort and help cleanse the area.
- Avoid eating or drinking anything sugary or acidic in the evening, as these can worsen your symptoms.
- Try to distract yourself by reading, listening to relaxing music, or practicing deep breathing exercises before sleep.
Toothaches are awful! Take practical steps to manage the nighttime pain until your dentist can help you find lasting relief.
Meet the Practice
At Aveni Dental Professionals in Plymouth, we pride ourselves on offering top-quality care in an efficient and compassionate manner. We are often able to provide emergency care on a same-day basis, so do not hesitate to call us if you have a toothache or another urgent dental issue. To learn more about us or to request an appointment, contact our office at 508-217-7454.