Why Toothaches Are Worse at Night

by Elizabeth Huynh | Jun 8, 2022 | Dental Emergencies

Toothaches hurt more at night

It is not your imagination, toothaches can be more unbearable at night!

It always seems that if you have a toothache, it hurts worse at night. Even worse, (if there is such a thing), you have few options at relief and even getting much needed rest is more difficult due to jaw, neck, or head discomfort due to a dental issue. This brings up why toothaches are worse at night and why taking care of your teeth is important! It is always seems to be the case that the higher the level of pain, the further away an appointment is. When you experience almost any level of tooth pain or sense something isn’t right, have excessive gun bleeding or feel any kind of pain biting down, it’s best to call Now Dental immediately. We can help you get to the root of the problem and make the pain go away!

Here’s what you should know about night-time toothaches and the reasons why tooth pain is worse in the evening.

Late-Night Treats
It is often the case that tooth pain that worsens at night is linked to your dietary habits. If you like sweet and sugary snacks, particularly right before bed, and you don’t thoroughly brush and floss your teeth afterwards, you are signing up for tooth decay and possibly pain. That’s because plaque, the invisible film of bacteria found on the surface of your teeth and gums, thrives on sugar. When you anything late at night, you need to brush and floss your teeth afterward. Otherwise plaque sits in your mouth until the morning when you brush again. Plaque loves sugar and produces acid that causes cavities. Cavities are a leading cause of dental-related pain and gum disease, which can also contribute to pain. To minimize these bacteria rather than enable its growth, brush and floss well before going to bed!

Those who neglect their oral hygiene, including foregoing brushing teeth until the morning, will be more likely to experience tooth decay, gum disease and pain. Try cutting down on your sugary sweets, or at least brushing your teeth after you eat late in the evening and see how that goes. If your tooth pain subsides, you may have found the reason for that discomfort.

Decrease in Distractions
Another reason why your toothache may feel more painful at night is simply because you have less going on to keep you busy and distracted from the discomfort. As you’re winding down from the day and getting ready for bed, you’ll probably notice an increase in pain because your mind has less things to focus on. Compared to the hustle and bustle of your daily life, nighttime is quieter, and therefore the perfect time for your toothache to take center stage. A highly reputable general dentist in your area can help you determine how to better deal with these pesky toothaches, especially if they don’t go away after a few days.

Blood Circulation
Another likely culprit of toothaches could be your increased blood circulation when you sleep. By laying down in bed, more blood can rush to your brain and put increased pressure on your tooth. This means a toothache that was bearable while standing or sitting up during the day may suddenly feel a whole lot worse when you go to bed. Speaking of sleeping, if you wake up with a toothache, you may be grinding your teeth while you’re fast asleep.

Make Now Dental Part of Your Dental Health Care Planning!

A strong dedication to good habits and preventive dental care can prevent toothaches and help you avoid dental emergencies. If you’re irritated and uncomfortable with a persistent toothache that just won’t go away, particularly at night, then it’s time to call Now Dental, home of the best general dentists in Carmichael, CA! Now Dental specializes in pediatric, family and cosmetic dentistry. At Now Dental, Dr. Elizabeth Huynh and her staff strive to provide a thorough and comfortable dental experience for you and your family. If you are experience dental pain in Carmichael or Sacramento County areas such as Fair Oaks, Citrus Heights, or Orangevale, call (916) 966-2009 to schedule an appointment. We are conveniently located near Mercy San Juan Medical Center, with easy access from both Greenback Lane and Madison Avenue!

Identifying and Managing Common Dental Emergencies

by Elizabeth Huynh | Apr 28, 2022 | Dental Emergencies

Managing common dental emergencies

Pain is not the only sign of a dental emergency!

Most people are afraid or hesitant to go to the dentist. But once a dental emergency comes up, there’s no avoiding it. From damaging a tooth to experiencing some very distressing symptoms such as extreme pain, you need to call Now Dental immediately.

Annual or better, bi-annual visits to Now Dental can prevent dental emergencies by promoting healthy oral hygiene practices and identifying potential issues before they are emergencies!

So what constitutes a dental emergency? If an emergency is very severe—a threat to your life—you’d go straight to the hospital emergency room, but in the following cases, it’s best to visit a dental clinic as soon as possible.

If you are experiencing pain you think is related to a dental issue, call Now Dental ASAP!

Toothaches or jaw pain
Toothaches are alarming and for a good reason. There’s no ordinary reason why you should be experiencing tooth pain. Occasional, stabbing pain and chronic, irritating pain are symptoms of gum irritation or even tooth decay. Don’t try to wait out a toothache. It’s likely that the pain will continue or even worsen as your oral health problems progress.

Signs you have a dental abscess
Your gums and the inside of your mouth should feel fairly smooth. However, if you feel a large mass on your gums, you may have an abscess. If you have a lump around your jaw, you may have an dental abscess. If you can squeeze a bump on your gums and either blood or pus drains, you may have a dental abscess. A dental abscess is an infection that can lead to more serious problems and extreme pain.

If you think you have a dental abscess, you need to call Now Dental immediately!

A dental abscess can resemble a pimple—if you can see it—it’s a pocket of bacteria that forms into a soft mass inside your mouth. The mass may be sensitive or even painful. This constitutes a dental emergency because if left untreated, the bacteria inside the abscess can infect the roots of your teeth. A dental abscess can also lead to other serious health issues as well as loss of teeth.

Gum Disease
Bleeding and swollen gums are common signs of gum disease. While you shouldn’t rush to the nearest office at the first sign of blood, you should make an appointment as soon as possible to be examined for gum disease, then treated appropriately. Gum disease can only be treated in its early stages. If it advances to the point of periodontal disease, treatment will be very difficult. If your gums recede due to disease, you can even lose your teeth.

Tooth Trauma
When your tooth chips, cracks, dislodge, or even gets knocked out of your mouth, it can be traumatizing. This is especially likely if you engage in contact sports or risky activities. Tooth trauma will need immediate dental attention. You may even need to have dental implants or other cosmetic procedures to restore the appearance of your smile after an accident or injury.

Wisdom Teeth Irritation
Wisdom teeth seem like an accident of evolution. These large back teeth that grow in during the late teens or early adult years can crowd teeth, potentially causing pain or discomfort. But wisdom teeth can also irritate your gums. If your gums become inflamed around your wisdom teeth, or if you feel irritation where they may be growing in, visit a dentist as soon as you can. You may need to undergo wisdom tooth extraction.

So where can you go in the event of a dental emergency? If you’re wondering, “Where can I find an emergency dentist near me?” start with Now Dental. As an emergency dentist in Carmichael, CA, we offer fast, caring, and comprehensive dental services for the whole family.

Now Dental is conveniently located at 6500 Coyle Ave #6, Carmichael, CA 95608, just across from Mercy San Juan Medical Center. Cross Street: Dewey Dr.