Is your toothache ruining your morning? Don’t worry; you’re not alone! The majority of people complain about their teeth hurting when they wake up. It can be caused by a number of factors, including gum disease, tooth infection, or bruxism.
Cause of Toothache in the Morning
You may wake up with a toothache due to the following reasons:
Bruxism
Bruxism, or the grinding and clenching of teeth as you sleep, is one of the most common causes of dental discomfort in the morning. People with this habit are most likely unaware that they are doing it. However, during a standard dental examination, your dentist is likely to notice indications of bruxism damage.
Cavities
If a person has a cavity, they may wake up with a throbbing pain in their mouth. Cavities develop when the enamel of teeth deteriorates due to bacteria. Untreated cavities can worsen until bacteria enter the inner part of the tooth, where they can infiltrate your nerves and cause unbearable pain.
Gum Disease
Another potential reason for morning tooth discomfort is gum disease. Gum disease is caused by an infection of the gums and the jawbone, which surrounds your teeth. In the latter stages, the infection may result in gradual bone loss around your teeth and significant gum recession.
Impacted Tooth
Impacted teeth, including wisdom teeth, can be quite painful. You may have an impacted wisdom tooth if you wake up with red, swollen, and painful gums just below your molars, along with either dull, aching discomfort or acute, excruciating pain.
Tooth Abscess
Bacterial infections in the tooth or gums can develop from a rotting tooth that is left untreated. This may lead to an abscess or a pocket of pus. In addition to causing severe, throbbing pain, an abscess may occasionally show up as a pocket of pus along the gum line, close to the tooth’s root.
TMD
Tooth discomfort in the morning can also be a symptom of temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD), particularly when bruxism is present. TMD is a condition that causes discomfort in the jaws, head, and neck by causing the jaw joint and surrounding muscles to become strained or stiff.
How to Avoid and Treat Tooth Pain in the Morning?
It is important to consult your dentist to rule out any possible tooth injury. For instance, a filling could be necessary if your tooth enamel has deteriorated. Or your dentist may fit you for a mouthguard or splint to lessen any injury if you have bruxism or TMD issues.
You can also take the following measures to lessen morning tooth pain if you can relate to any of the aforementioned potential causes:
- Avoid meals that are heavy in acid or sugar.
- Adjust your sleeping position or get a second pillow.
- Use toothpaste made for delicate teeth.
- Apply a cold compress to your face if you have jaw discomfort from TMD issues.
- Rinse with warm salt water before going to bed.
Ending Note!
It is important to understand why your teeth hurt when you wake up for efficient treatment and prevention. Even while sporadic discomfort might not be a big deal, significant or ongoing pain calls for a trip to the dentist.
Consult our expert dentist at Aava Dental with any dental concerns you may have. You can call us at (818) 792-4500 to book your appointment.