A toothache can be troublesome enough during the day, but in many cases, it can potentially get worse at night. Needless to say, this can significantly hinder your ability to get enough sleep. Just why do toothaches seem more severe at night? And is there anything you can do to make them more manageable? Your emergency dentist is here with the answers to these pressing questions.
What Can Cause Toothaches to Get Worse at Night?
In some cases, the seemingly worse pain may be a side effect of not having as many distractions. During the day, there are likely to be plenty of things that can help take your mind off your toothache. But when you go to bed at night, the lack of distractions means that more of your attention is being drawn to your pain, thus causing it to seem more severe.
Another factor is the way your blood flows. When you lie down to go to sleep, blood will start to rush to your head. This results in more pressure being put on the affected tooth, which can increase the pain you feel.
Finally, eating certain foods just before bed could contribute to your toothache. Oftentimes the pain is related to untreated decay, which can be aggravated by sugary foods and beverages.
How Can You Manage Your Toothache at Night?
There are several steps you can take to reduce your tooth pain at night so that it doesn’t keep you awake. For example, you can:
- Take ibuprofen or another type of over-the-counter pain reliever.
- Keep your head elevated in bed by using extra pillows.
- Hold a cold compress over the painful area to reduce discomfort and swelling.
- Rinse with salt water or mouthwash right before bed.
- Stay away from any foods or beverages that might make tooth pain worse. (This includes anything sugary, acidic, hot, cold, or overly hard.)
Of course, these are all just temporary measures. If you want to put a stop to your toothache for good, you’ll need the help of a dental professional. Be sure to schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible; once they have had a chance to examine your tooth, they’ll be able to narrow down the source of your pain and determine the best way to put a stop to it.
When it comes to tooth pain, it pays to be proactive. Take whatever steps you need to in order to find relief so that you can get the good night’s rest you deserve.
About the Author
Dr. Cristina Herrera went to the University of Oklahoma for her dental degree. She has completed more than 100 hours of continuing education through Spear Education and other institutions. She offers same-day appointments for patients suffering from toothaches and other dental emergencies. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Herrera at her practice in Los Gatos, visit her website or call (408) 378-8773.