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.
Common Causes of Nighttime Tooth 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.
Tooth Decay and Cavities
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
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.
Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)
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.
Dental Infections and Abscesses
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
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.
Other Medical Conditions
Besides these, other medical conditions like temporomandibular joint disorders and bacterial infections can also lead to toothaches.
Identifying Symptoms and Signs
Depending on the severity of the pain in your teeth or gums, the symptoms you experience may vary.
Recognizing Warning Signs and Symptoms
Here are the warning signs you need to watch out for to determine if you have a toothache.
- A dull or throbbing pain in your mouth that won’t go away
- Sharp and shooting tooth pain that occurs sporadically throughout the day and night
- Teeth sensitivity
- Headaches
- Swelling in the gums
- Chills
- Fever
- Bad taste in your mouth
- Bad breath
Differentiating Between Various Causes
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.
When To Consult a Medical Professional
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.
Immediate Relief for Nighttime Tooth Pain
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 Relievers
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
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.
Relaxation Techniques and Stress Management
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.
Temporary Oral Care Remedies
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.
Long-term Solutions and Prevention Strategies
Although these home remedies are effective, they’re only temporary. If you want a more permanent solution, we recommend the following treatment options.
- Dental Treatments and Procedures: There are many dental treatments you can explore to get rid of toothaches permanently. These include dental fillings, dental crowns, root canal therapy, or tooth extraction. All of these treatments aim to remove the bacteria-damaged area to eliminate tooth pain.
- Orthodontic Solutions: Aside from these treatments, you can also explore orthodontic solutions like braces and retainers to align your teeth better and prevent excess pressure from your jaw, relieving any pain in your mouth.
- Mouth Guards and Oral Appliances: If you’re not keen on braces, an equally effective alternative is to invest in mouth guards and other oral appliances. These can stop teeth grinding and help you sleep better at night.
- Lifestyle Changes and Habits: Lifestyle changes, like eating healthier and being more active, can help you with stress management and prevent the symptoms of bruxism. Likewise, regularly visiting the dentist is a great way to further protect your oral health.
Importance of Regular Dental Check-ups
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.
Find the Best Remedy for Toothaches at Night at Remi
No matter what the cause of your toothaches is, Remi’s custom mouth guards and dental whitening kits keep your teeth clean, healthy, and sparkling white.
Our custom mouth 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.
Shop now at Shopremi.com and enjoy the benefits of our mouth guards!
