By the time evening rolls around, you may be excited about finally getting some rest. As you’re winding down, has a toothache started to throw off your plans? It’s frustrating on its own, but you might also be wondering why it feels like it’s getting worse during the night. Here’s a look at what could be behind it, and why it’s worth reaching out to your emergency dentist.
New Position
Once you lie down, your heart is level with the rest of your body, making it easier for blood to flow up toward your face. This can cause a temporary increase in blood pressure, which may make an existing toothache feel more pronounced than it did earlier in the day.
Less Distractions
Your attention is constantly pulled in different directions during the morning and afternoon, whether it’s traffic, conversations, or general background noise. Once things settle down at night, there’s far less competing for your focus, making it much easier to notice discomfort your body’s been dealing with all along, including a toothache.
Bruxism
If your dental pain seems worse first thing when waking up, grinding or clenching your teeth overnight could be the reason. This is a subconscious habit called bruxism that happens while you sleep, so you may not even realize you’re doing it. A sore jaw and visible enamel wear are common signs to watch for.
Late-Night Snacking
Grabbing a snack before bed is nothing unusual, but it’s possible a small piece of food got stuck between your teeth without you noticing. This can lead to a dull, persistent ache, so brushing and flossing again can help dislodge it and lower your risk of cavities.
Do I Need to Visit My Dentist?
Dental pain is always worth bringing up with your dentist. If trapped food turns out to be the issue, an urgent visit may not be needed, but if the discomfort sticks around, there could be something more going on.
Having your provider take a look ensures nothing slips through the cracks. The problem can be caught early and help you avoid bigger issues down the road. For instance, if a tooth infection is the problem, you can get the root canal you need to save your tooth from more severe complications. So, you can get the lasting relief you deserve to get back to restful nights.
About the Author
Dr. Donna Kiesel earned her dental degree from the Baylor College of Dentistry. She has over 35 years of experience helping patients in Coppell get the stronger smiles they deserve. Dr. Kiesel is here for when you need an urgent oral visit. By getting you in as soon as possible, she can pinpoint the issue and offer an effective solution, like a root canal. If you have a persistent toothache, schedule an appointment or call Dr. Kiesel’s office at 972-420-4488.