Have you ever had a hard time sleeping at night because of toothaches? If so, you’re not alone. Toothaches are common and there are many reasons behind this condition.
Toothaches can impact the quality of your sleep and your overall oral health, so it’s important to take action immediately before the situation worsens.
In this article, we’ll discuss the common causes of nighttime tooth pain, identify common symptoms, and share solutions to help you relieve pain.
Before we give you the rundown of possible treatments for your tooth pain, it’s important we go through the possible causes of your condition, which are listed below.
Cavities and tooth decay occur when bacteria grow inside your teeth. The bacteria will impact the nerves in your molars, which in turn can lead to pain.
Gum disease like periodontal disease or gingivitis can cause pain because, like tooth decay, it develops bacterial infection that can trigger the nerves in your teeth.
Teeth grinding, medically known as bruxism, usually happens at night, and occurs as a result of stress or anxiety. When you grind your teeth, you put pressure on your molars and tense your jaw, which will ultimately lead to pain.
Abscesses and dental infections occur when food particles get stuck in the crevices of your gums, creating a pocket of pus inside your mouth. When the remaining food is left unattended, it can decay and create an optimal environment for bacteria to thrive. As a result, your teeth and gums develop a painful infection.
Sinus issues like sinusitis often resemble a cold or allergic reaction, causing uncomfortable congestion in your sinus cavities. With this congestion comes a build-up of pressure that can press on the root of your tooth and trigger a toothache.
Besides these, other medical conditions like temporomandibular joint disorders and bacterial infections can also lead to toothaches.
Depending on the severity of the pain in your teeth or gums, the symptoms you experience may vary.
Here are the warning signs you need to watch out for to determine if you have a toothache.
While the duration of these symptoms will depend on the underlying cause, they generally shouldn’t last for weeks. If your symptoms don’t go away completely after a few days or a week, consult with a medical professional so you can determine the cause and treat it accordingly.
If your toothaches affect your daily routines — keeping you from eating, talking properly, or sleeping — then it’s time to seek medical attention.
There may be an infection in your mouth that needs to be cleared out. Alternatively, there could be a decaying tooth inside your mouth that needs to be removed permanently. In any case, seeking medical consultation as early as possible is the best course of action to mitigate the problem.
If you want to wait it out before seeking professional help, here are home remedies you can try to relieve the pain in the sensitive areas of your mouth.
Over-the-counter pain medications like Tylenol or Advil are one of the simplest ways you can reduce the pain of mild-to-moderate toothaches. Just make sure to read the instructions carefully and follow the recommended dosage.
Cold and warm compresses are another way to keep the pain at bay. The cold compress will numb the area so you won’t feel the pain while the warm compress will relax the muscles so they don’t add any pressure to the affected areas.
To get the best results, try to apply the compresses around 15 to 20 minutes every few hours to prevent the pain from surging at night.
Since one of the causes of toothaches is bruxism, which is a common stress response, we recommend trying relaxation techniques and stress management strategies like nightly meditation, yoga, and mindfulness exercises to relax your body, minimize your stress levels, and prevent your toothaches from resurfacing.
It’s also important to practice good oral care. After brushing and flossing, rinse your mouth with a bacterial wash to disinfect and destroy bacteria lodged in your teeth.
Although these home remedies are effective, they’re only temporary. If you want a more permanent solution, we recommend the following treatment options.
Having at least two dental check-ups a year is recommended to keep your oral health in check. By visiting your dentist regularly, you can detect issues immediately and receive the necessary treatment from professionals.
No matter what the cause of your toothaches is, Remi’s custom night guards and dental whitening kits keep your teeth clean, healthy, and sparkling white.
Our custom night guards are specifically designed to prevent you from grinding and clenching your teeth at night, which can inevitably lead to toothaches. With this device, you can protect your molars and enjoy a well-deserved good night’s sleep.
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Jaw pain while eating is a common problem that affects many people. There are several reasons why this may occur, and it's important to identify the underlying cause to receive the right treatment. Some of the most common causes of jaw pain while eating include temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, bruxism, and dental problems.
