Much like a werewolf, your toothache seems to get more aggressive at night. Maybe you’ll even be completely fine during the day, only to lose sleep over it later. So what’s the deal? Do you have a horror movie character for a toothache, or is there a more logical reason for this strange pattern?
Far be it from this post to completely rule out the full moon transformation possibility, but there are a few other explanations that are more likely. Keep reading to learn more!
You’re Dwelling on Your Toothache
When’s the best time to collect your thoughts and review your day? Usually at night, when you’re all cozy in bed and getting ready to fall asleep to the sound of silence. It’s hard not to dwell on things when the world is so still. One reason your toothache might feel worse at night is simply because the discomfort is more noticeable.
Your Teeth Are Under Pressure
Two interesting things happen when you lie down. Firstly, your blood pressure increases. It’s a lot easier for your heart to pump blood to your head and lungs when you’re horizontal, and the flow can apply more stress on your tender tooth. Secondly, the weight of your sinuses also shifts. Since they’re very close to your teeth, any congestion will add an extra load onto your poor teeth!
Having a Midnight Snack
It’s unlikely that your tooth actually transforms into some sort of weird dental monster at night, but you might! If you get nightly cravings, think about how you usually satisfy the hunger. With a snack, perhaps? Possibly even a crunchy or sugary one? Your routine crunchy munchy could be aggravating a dental sensitivity, and choosing something sweet could be triggering discomfort for active cavities. Watch what you eat, especially at night.
Unconscious Teeth Grinding
Alternatively, your problem could be one that you’re not even aware of. Some patients unconsciously grind their teeth at night, which puts an extra strain on your pearly whites. Fortunately, there are better treatment options than hypnosis – your dentist can, for example, provide you with a protective mouthguard to give your teeth some relief.
What to Do About Your Nightly Toothache
Ultimately, you’ll want to call your emergency dentist, just to rule out urgent conditions like tooth decay or gum disease. Plus, if your discomfort is chronic, you’ll probably need professional treatment to solve the underlying issue. Until you and your dentist get to the bottom of your nightly toothache, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers and try to sleep with your head elevated.
If you really want to be on the safe side, you could also keep a werewolf expert on speed dial – but your dentist is probably going to be more helpful!
About the Author
Dr. Shauna Soltani earned her dental doctorate from the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine. Since graduation, she has completed several advanced training courses for a variety of dental techniques, including TMJ/bruxism treatment and root canal therapy. Dr. Soltani’s top priority is her patients’ comfort, so if a toothache is bothering you on a nightly basis, don’t hesitate to contact her office at 720-608-7770.
