Although brushing and flossing twice daily helps remove plaque and bacteria to avoid common concerns, such as cavities and gum disease, there’s unfortunately no guarantee that you’ll never have a dental emergency.
For example, you might develop a sudden or severe toothache one evening after your dentist’s office has already closed for the day. Getting a good night’s sleep can provide some much-needed relief, but if the throbbing intensifies when you lay down, you might struggle to drift off. Continue reading to learn why this sometimes happens and what you can do to ease the pain!
What Caused My Toothache?
There are many potential reasons for a toothache, and some are more urgent than others. For instance, you might develop sensitivity from eating too many acidic foods or brushing too forcefully with a hard-bristle toothbrush. You might also have something trapped in your gums, which can sometimes be resolved by rinsing your mouth with water or flossing gently.
However, infection is one of the most common causes of dental discomfort. Your mouth is full of bacteria, and if they penetrate your connective tissues or enamel, they can eventually trigger a painful reaction in the tender nerves inside your teeth.
Why Does My Toothache Hurt Worse at Night?
Have you noticed that the throbbing seems to worsen the moment you try to lie down to get some much-needed rest? This may partly be because there are fewer distractions in the evening, such as work or school, that can keep your mind off the unpleasant sensations. Or you might have indulged in a sugary dessert after dinner, which can also worsen a toothache.
But it might also be that lying down allows gravity to pull more blood away from your heart, causing it to pool in your head and increase the pressure on your already tender tooth. You might have better luck sleeping with your head propped on several pillows or dozing off in your favorite recliner to prevent this. You might also try applying an ice pack to the sore side of your face or taking over-the-counter pain medications for temporary relief.
How Will My Dentist Treat My Toothache?
Contacting your dentist as soon as possible allows them to alleviate your toothache and treat the underlying cause to safeguard your smile. Many offer same-day visits and options for sedation, so you may not have to wait long for relief. Then, they’ll examine your mouth and may take X-rays or other images to identify the extent of the harm done.
Once your dentist determines the problem, they can devise customized treatment plans to address it. In many cases, a root canal can treat a toothache and the underlying infection. This treatment is usually followed by placing a dental crown to restore the injured tooth’s functionality.
About the Practice
Patients at Smileworks General & Cosmetic Dentistry benefit from a team of providers eager to help families in Mt Pleasant build and maintain happy, healthy smiles. Their expertise combines with state-of-the-art technology to offer a comprehensive menu of services, including same-day emergency visits and options for dental sedation, to meet all your needs conveniently under one roof. If you’ve developed a toothache that requires immediate attention, you can request an appointment on the website or by calling (843) 351-6422.