By Dr. Michael Letham
When you are sound asleep and tooth pain bothers you at night, it can be quite a distressing experience. The pain can be felt in various degrees, from a dull ache to a sharp stabbing pain. No matter what level, the discomfort it causes can keep you from getting your much-needed sleep.
Besides affecting your quality of life, your tooth pain can worsen without treatment. As soon as possible, book an emergency dentist appointment to counter a nighttime toothache.
COMMON CAUSES
Knowing the root cause of your tooth discomfort is the key to relieving your symptoms. The following are some of the usual causes of tooth pain:
· Cavities
This is the most common cause of a toothache. It’s normally a hole formed in your tooth brought about by tooth decay from a bad diet or poor oral care. The pain can vary from mild to sharp and may also trigger tooth sensitivity.
· Damage
A broken, cracked or chipped tooth can cause a mild to severe toothache, depending on the damage. Pain from chewing or exposure to extreme hot or cold may be signs that you have a broken or cracked tooth.
· Periodontal Disease
Gum disease can result in an acute infection of the gum characterized by swelling and bleeding of your gum. Immediate treatment by a dentist is typically recommended.
· Pulpitis (Tooth Nerve Pain)
This may be a probable cause if you suffer from severe tooth pain that gets worse at night. Pulpitis happens when infection and tooth decay spread past the tooth’s outer layers, infecting the pulp.
· Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder
Disease, damage or excessive forces on your TMJ can result in pain in or around the back teeth, jaw joints, ears or temples.
· Oral Trauma
When you experience a blow to the face, your teeth may become chipped or fractured which can cause a toothache. Small cracks usually don’t become a problem during the morning, but it can become painful at night due to some changes in your position, blood pressure, and diet.
IDEAL REMEDIES AND ACTION STEPS
* If there’s no way to make an after-hours dentist appointment, call or go online to book one first thing in the morning.
* Always keep your mouth clean. Brush your teeth, rinse and floss properly to clear away any trapped food particles between your teeth that may be causing the pain.
* If your face has become swollen, you should consider visiting your local emergency department as soon as possible.
To sleep easily and keep that beautiful smile, practice good oral care and visit your dentist regularly.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Dr. Michael Letham is the owner and dentist at 24/7 Dental and Bayside Smiles. He graduated from Sydney University in 2000 with Honours, receiving the R Morse Withycombe Prize for Proficiency in Clinical Periodontics (gum treatment). Striving to provide a modern, holistic approach to dental care that is tailored to each individual’s requirements, Mike’s focus is on being thorough and meticulous whilst being caring and compassionate.