After a long day, you may be excited to finally get into bed. You cozy up against your blanket and let it envelop you as you drift off into dreamland. However, what if you start to notice you have a toothache creeping up? You might not have had one earlier in the day, so why is it occurring now? Here are four possible culprits you should know, and whether you need to call your emergency dentist.
1.) The Change in Position
In some cases, lying down can be the reason. That’s because your blood pressure rises in this position, as your heart is in line with the rest of your body. It will have an easier time pumping upward toward your face. So, that increased flow can make the discomfort worse than it was before.
2.) You Aren’t as Distracted
Throughout the day, there may be many things that you are subconsciously paying attention to. From the hum of the air conditioning to you tapping your foot, it can be easy to ignore dental pain. However, when it’s time to sleep, you likely don’t have many things distracting you, allowing you to focus on a toothache.
3.) You Enjoyed a Midnight Snack
If you were hungry before bed, then you might’ve enjoyed a quick snack to get rid of that feeling. If so, then a stray piece of food might be stuck between your teeth. This can be uncomfortable to deal with, so you should redo your oral hygiene routine. Simply brush and floss, and you can knock the morsel out of place and make sure you avoid developing a cavity.
4.) You Grind or Clench Your Teeth During the Night
Many people grind or clench their teeth while they are asleep. It’s a subconscious habit, so you might not know you’re doing it at first. You might notice increased wear, but a toothache often follows suit when you wake up since the jaw muscles likely become sore.
Do I Need to Call My Dentist in the Morning?
In short, yes! It’s important you give your dentist a call first thing in the morning. They will be able to find out the root cause of your discomfort and then offer you a reliable solution. For some, it’s a nightguard, but they will work with you to give you the painless nights you deserve once again.
About the Author
Dr. Sally Alkamary earned her dental degree from the New York University College of Dentistry. She is happy to help the Springfield community throughout their oral healthcare and especially during dental emergencies. By offering same-day, after-hours, and weekend urgent visits, you can get the relief you need. If you have a toothache getting in the way of your sleep, schedule an appointment or call Dr. Alkamary’s office at (973) 912-9091.