Updated: January 22, 2024
If you’ve ever experienced tooth pain that keeps you up at night, you know how frustrating and exhausting it can be. But why does tooth pain seem to get worse at night, just when you’re trying to get some rest? There are several possible reasons for nighttime tooth pain, including teeth grinding, sinus problems, cavities, and more.
Ingenious Dentistry is a leading provider of dental services in Houston, and we understand how irritating and troublesome nightly toothaches can be. Keep reading as we explore some of the most common causes of nighttime tooth pain, and provide tips on how to find relief so you can get the restful sleep you need.
Most Common Causes of Nightly Tooth Pain
So why do my teeth hurt at night? Your teeth hurt at night because you have an untreated dental problem. The problem may be worn enamel, inflamed gums, or tooth decay. Here is an overview of the most likely causes of nighttime tooth pain:
Grinding Your Teeth While You Sleep
Grinding damages your teeth and causes dull or stabbing pain. The discomfort occurs at night when you are likely to grind your teeth unconsciously. Over time, grinding wears down your teeth, making them more susceptible to decay, and can even lead to chronic daytime headaches or migraines.
Late-night Snacking
Eating sugary or acidic foods before bed is another reason for nighttime toothaches. Sugar promotes the growth of bacteria that cause gum disease and tooth decay. Likewise, acids attack tooth enamel and make your teeth more susceptible to sensitivity and pain.
Nighttime Blood Flow
When you sleep, more blood flows to your head, putting substantial pressure on the affected teeth and gums. The increased pressure worsens your toothache, especially if you have untreated dental problems. This could be another reason you wonder, “Why do my teeth ache at night.”
Dental Problems
Still wondering why my tooth hurts at night? General dentistry professionals claim untreated dental problems such as gum disease and tooth decay may be the cause. Usually, these problems cause mild pain that you may overlook during the day.
The pain flares up at night as blood flow to the head increases, and you have nothing to distract your attention from the pain. The most common problems contributing to nighttime toothaches include tooth decay, dental abscesses, and gum disease.
Do You Feel More Tooth Pain When You Wake Up in The Morning?
If the pain persists through the morning, it may indicate that you have a severe dental problem. Therefore, see a dentist for professional teeth cleaning or other recommended dental treatments.
Some of the conditions that can cause you to have a toothache even after you wake up are:
- Impacted tooth
- Sinus infection
- Gum diseases
- Tooth abscess
- Cavities
- Sinus infection
How to Make Tooth Pain Go Away
Over-the-counter pain relievers are the most common methods to relieve your tooth pain. You can use the following home remedies to ease the pain:
- Elevate your head with a pillow
- Place a cold compress on the affected side for 10 to 15 minutes
- Chew a clove and hold it on the affected area for 20-30 minutes
- Rinse your mouth with salt water
- Make sure you maintain good oral hygiene
Since a toothache is a symptom of an underlying dental problem, you should visit your dentist in Houston to have the problem treated. Dentists can diagnose and treat the underlying problem to save you unnecessary suffering.
Solve Your Tooth Pains Once And For All!
If you’re struggling with nighttime tooth pain, it’s important to identify the underlying cause and take steps to address it. Whether it’s due to teeth grinding, sinus issues, or another dental problem, our experienced dental professionals at Ingenious Dentistry in Houston, TX, can help.
Schedule an appointment to receive a personalized treatment plan that addresses the root cause of your pain and helps you get the relief you need. Don’t suffer in silence – contact us today and take the first step toward a healthier, pain-free smile.
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