Severe toothaches can be incapacitating, leading to difficulty concentrating and enjoying time with loved ones. Seeking emergency dental care is crucial if you experience persistent pain in one of your pearly whites. Toothaches often worsen at night, making it difficult to sleep. But what is the cause of this? Learn about the reasons why this can happen, the possible causes of toothaches, and preventive measures you can take.
7 Causes of Toothaches
Persistent tooth pain or dental aches can cause significant discomfort, disrupting daily activities. Seeking dental care is crucial, as it may be a sign of a serious underlying problem. Several possible causes of a toothache include:
- Repetitive actions, like gum chewing
- Teeth grinding, also called bruxism
- The eruption of a tooth
- Damaged tooth fillings
- Tooth extractions
- A dental abscess
- Infected gums
- Tooth decay
Why Toothaches Are More Noticeable at Night
When lying down, increased blood flow to the head can lead to more intense toothaches. This can cause pressure in sensitive areas of the mouth, making the pain worse. Additionally, changes in the positions of the jaw and teeth can exacerbate the pain.
Bruxism, or teeth grinding and jaw clenching, can exacerbate toothaches at night as the added pressure intensifies the pain. This condition often occurs during sleep and can also lead to discomfort in the jaw and surrounding areas, making it difficult to sleep.
6 Tips for Sleeping Through the Night with a Toothache
You can employ various methods to relieve a toothache and sleep soundly until you can see an emergency dentist. Some of these methods are:
- Take OTC pain medication – The use of ibuprofen and other pain relievers that can be purchased without a prescription may assist in decreasing both pain and inflammation.
- Avoid certain foods – Steer clear of food and beverages that have the potential to irritate your teeth and worsen a toothache, such as those that are sugary, spicy, acidic, or extremely hot or cold.
- Rinse your mouth – Gargling with a warm saltwater solution can provide relief from tooth discomfort and also eliminate harmful bacteria.
- Practice good oral hygiene – By brushing your teeth two times a day and flossing prior to sleeping, you can minimize the risk of developing cavities and tooth infections.
- Use a cold compress – To alleviate pain and swelling, place an ice pack on the affected tooth for 15-minute intervals.
- Elevate your head – Elevating your head using a pillow can lessen blood flow to the affected area and alleviate toothache symptoms.
About the Practice
Dental care of the highest quality is provided by Windermere Dentistry, which is spearheaded by Drs. Ukti Phadnis, Vance Harper, and Javed. Their team offers tailored services to patients of all ages, including urgent dental appointments for critical oral health issues, like toothaches. They provide toothache treatment that can get your smile back on track and alleviate pain in no time. Whether it’s a regular cleaning or a complicated procedure, their proficient staff is dedicated to delivering top-notch care. To schedule an appointment or learn more about their services, contact Windermere Dentistry at (407) 909-1099 or visit their website.
