What Causes Teeth Pain at Night and In the Morning?

Do you find yourself in agony every night, just trying to get to sleep? If so, you're certainly not alone. Many people find that their tooth pain is at its worst when trying to rest. But why does this happen?

There are actually a few different reasons your tooth might hurt more at night. Check them out below:

More Blood Circulation

One reason your tooth may hurt more at night is that there is more blood circulation to your head. When you lie down, the blood vessels in your head open up more and allow more blood to flow. This can cause your gums and teeth to become more sensitive and can make your tooth pain worse.

Stress

Another reason your tooth may hurt more at night is because of stress. When you're stressed, your body produces more cortisol, which can make your teeth and gums more sensitive. Also, stress can cause you to grind your teeth, leading to more tooth pain.

Dry Mouth

A dry mouth can also make your tooth pain worse at night. When you sleep, your saliva production slows down, making your mouth dry. This can make your teeth and gums more sensitive and lead to more cavities.

Late-Night Meals

Brushing your teeth before bed is important if you eat or drink anything sugary. Otherwise, the bacteria in your mouth will feed on the sugar and cause more pain. Sugar creates an acidic environment that bacteria need to thrive and cause damage!

Tooth Pain in the Morning

For some, they may experience tooth pain in the morning instead due to the following reasons:

Sinus Infection

If you have a sinus infection, it can cause your teeth to hurt. This is because the sinuses and teeth share the same nerve pathways. When the sinuses are inflamed, it can cause the teeth to hurt as well.

Tooth Decay

If you don't treat cavities, they can cause damage to the tooth pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels. This can lead to pain, which may be sharp or intense. Small cavities usually don't cause pain, so decay can progress before you have any symptoms requiring treatment.

Impacted Tooth

An impacted tooth is one that is blocked from emerging through the gum. It is usually the result of crowding or poor dental hygiene. When a wisdom tooth (third molar) is impacted, it can cause pain in the teeth in front of it.

TMJ Disorder

TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint. This is the joint that connects the lower jaw (mandible) to the temporal bones of the skull. It allows your mouth to open and close smoothly.

When the TMJ is not working properly, it can cause pain in the joint and muscles around it. It can also cause headaches, ear pain, and pain in the teeth.

Tooth Abscess

An abscess is a pus-filled pocket that forms in the tissues of the body. It can occur in any organ or tissue but often in the teeth or gums.

A dental infection often causes an abscess in the teeth. The infection can spread to the gums, jaw, and other head and neck parts.

If left untreated, an abscess can cause severe pain, swelling, and fever. It can also damage the tissues and organs around it.

The Bottomline

In conclusion, there are many reasons why teeth might hurt at night. It could be due to something as simple as dehydration or as serious as an infection. By identifying the cause of tooth pain, you can take the necessary steps to remedy the situation and get relief from the discomfort.

If you’re experiencingteeth pain at night, don’t wait any longer—seek a dentist immediately. Dental House MI is a reliable dental clinic that services Ann Arbor and Waterford. Book an appointment now.