Have you ever felt that toothache seems to intensify at night? Many people wonder why tooth pain is more excruciating than during the day, even though daily activities are not much different. Berry Dent will explore the mystery of toothache problems that often flare up at night and suggest ways to relieve tooth pain, so you can rest fully.
Why is Toothache Worse at Night?
Several factors can make toothache seem more severe at night:
1. Changes in Oral Pressure
When lying down, blood pressure in the mouth increases, putting pressure on nerves in the teeth and gums, resulting in more intense tooth pain.
2. Lack of Distraction
During the day, we are often engaged in activities that keep our minds focused on things other than tooth pain. But at night, when we are in silence, tooth pain becomes more apparent and makes us feel more miserable.
3. Decrease in Cortisol
Cortisol is a hormone that helps reduce natural inflammation in the body. Cortisol levels decrease at night, reducing the body’s ability to resist inflammation, resulting in more intense tooth pain.
4. Teeth Grinding
Many people grind their teeth at night without knowing it. Teeth grinding puts pressure on the teeth and jaw, resulting in more severe tooth pain.
Causes of Toothache
Toothache can have several causes, including:
- Tooth Decay: Tooth decay is the most common cause of toothache. When tooth decay spreads to the dentin layer, it causes tooth sensitivity when exposed to heat, cold, or sweets. If tooth decay spreads to the pulp, it causes severe tooth pain.
- Gingivitis: Gingivitis is caused by the accumulation of plaque and tartar around the gumline, causing the gums to become red, swollen, and bleed while brushing, which can cause toothache.
- Tooth Abscess: A tooth abscess is caused by a bacterial infection at the tip of the tooth root, causing severe tooth pain and possible swelling of the face or jaw.
- Impacted Tooth: An impacted tooth that cannot erupt normally in the mouth can cause toothache, gum pain, and possible infection.
- Injury: Injury to the teeth or jaw, such as being hit or biting on something hard, can cause toothache.
- Other Diseases: In some cases, toothache may be caused by other diseases, such as sinusitis, trigeminal neuralgia, or heart disease.
Ways to Relieve Toothache
If you have a toothache, you can relieve the pain with the following methods:
- Take Pain Relievers: You can take pain relievers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen to relieve the pain.
- Apply a Cold Compress: Apply a cold compress to the cheek on the side with the toothache to help reduce inflammation.
- Rinse with Salt Water: Rinse with warm salt water to help reduce inflammation and kill bacteria.
- Floss: Use floss to clean food debris stuck around the aching tooth.
- Avoid Hot, Cold, or Sweet Foods and Drinks: These foods and drinks may trigger toothache to worsen.
- See a Dentist: If the toothache does not improve or is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, facial swelling, or pus discharge, see a dentist for diagnosis and treatment.
Taking good care of your oral health is important to prevent toothache. Brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss regularly, and see a dentist for regular check-ups every 6 months.
If you want to take even better care of your oral health, don’t forget to choose your toothpaste carefully. Berry Dent hybrid herbal toothpaste contains natural ingredients and 1500 ppm fluoride, which gently and effectively care for your mouth, reducing the risk of tooth decay and other oral problems.