Why Does My Tooth Hurt At Night?

 

Many patients wonder why their tooth pain flares up in the evening. The horizontal position of sleep often amplifies dental pain; when a person lies down to sleep, increased blood flow to the head amplifies the pain or discomfort intensity.

If a person has a toothache only at night or a toothache that worsens at night, they should seek out dental care to identify the underlying cause of the discomfort.

The most common reasons for nighttime toothaches include:

Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is the #1 cause of tooth pain. Bacteria attacks your tooth and will eventually cause tooth decay.

The most common causes of tooth decay include:

• Poor dental hygiene
• Excessive consumption of sugary food and drink
• Not maintaining a regular dental visit scheduled for examinations and professional cleanings
• Vitamin D or calcium deficiencies

If you think you are suffering from tooth decay, you should seek dental care as soon as possible. Tooth decay, if left untreated, can progress to a dental abscess, root canal therapy, and even tooth extraction. See your dentist immediately.

Tooth Trauma

Trauma or extreme pressure can also lead to toothaches. Patients complaining of tooth pain often have a crack in their tooth or a tooth fracture, and they are not aware of it.

Often cracks start small and grow with time. Patients often get this kind of damage while eating (or chewing ice) and do not feel pain until a later Tooth trauma can also occur from the gradual erosion of enamel due to tooth grinding or clenching.

Many people unconsciously grind their teeth during sleep, and some grind their teeth while awake due to stress.

Mouthguards can prevent damage from teeth grinding and clenching, but it is essential to see a dentist if the damage is to repair and restore your smile.

Lost Dental Filling

There are chances that you may break or lose your dental filling due to chewing or the dental material breaking. Because of this, the nerves of the tooth may become exposed, which will lead to a toothache.

Gum Inflammation or Dental Absces

It is recommended that patients should floss at a minimum once every day. Poor dental hygiene causes gum inflammation and progression of periodontal disease. Progressive gum disease can lead to dental infections.

Often, gum disease and dental infection can mimic signs and symptoms of a toothache. It is best to be evaluated by a dentist.

Sinus Infection

A sinus infection can cause pressure to build up above your teeth and create a toothache.

Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth can create discomfort at any age, even though it is common to have them removed as teenagers or young adults. If a person with wisdom teeth is experiencing a toothache, it may be caused by wisdom teeth shifting.

This discomfort can happen even if a patient’s wisdom teeth have erupted into the mouth.

Solutions for A Toothache Dental Emergency

If your toothaches result from decaying or damaged teeth, Dr. Perrone can help evaluate the issue and relieve you of any pain or discomfort.

Dental emergencies are never convenient but Dr Perrone is committed to your oral health and comfort.

Tooth Pain Home Remedies In Las Vegas

If you find a persistent nighttime tooth pain that keeps you up after office hours, you may require an at-home remedy to help get you through the night.

These home remedies are only intended to help alleviate pain in the short term until you can get an emergency dental appointment.

• Try sleeping with your head elevated to relieve intense pain. You can use a thick pillow or several pillows to prop your head up. Elevation can help prevent pressure due to increased blood flow. Elevating your head can help to alleviate some of the discomforts.
• Before bedtime, make sure you brush your teeth for a full two minutes with fluoride toothpaste and then floss. This will help remove any trapped foreign objects that may be causing the pain.
• Another short-term trick for reducing tooth pain is to soak a cotton ball in clove oil, placing it over the painful tooth. This can provide some relief.
• When gums are causing pain due to dental infection, try rinsing your mouth with a warm saltwater mix. This rinse can help clear the mouth of debris and clean the sites of infection.
• You can also use over-the-counter pain medication to reduce inflammation and pain due to toothache.
• If you are experiencing any swelling in the face or gums, a cold compress can help relieve swelling symptoms.

Emergency Dentistry In Las Vegas NV

Dental emergencies are never convenient. Dr. Marielaina Perrone DDS is committed to our patient’s dental health no matter what time of the day or night it is.

After-hour dental emergencies and weekend appointments are available upon request.

If you are ready for a smile makeover, contact Las Vegas dentist Marielaina Perrone DDS at (702) 458-2929 to schedule a no cost cosmetic dentistry consultation appointment.

We cannot wait to help you with your oral health and your smile makeover to create the smile of your dreams in Summerlin, Henderson, and Las Vegas, NV.