We’ve all been victim to that mysterious ache in our jaw or teeth when we wake up. It can make sleep difficult and even last into the day, causing pain while eating and talking. But what exactly could be happening to cause toothaches in your sleep?
Gulf Coast Dental is here to answer all of your questions and soothe your concerns. The more knowledgeable you are able to gather about your teeth, the better you can promote your oral health.
Causes Of Morning Tooth Pain
The most important thing to do is determine the cause of your pain. There are multiple culprits that could be responsible for your toothache in the morning.
Sinus Infections
A sinus infection not only affects your sinuses, but because your sinuses are located above your teeth, your mouth can be affected too. Sinus issues usually lead to a buildup of fluid which can cause your upper back teeth to ache in the morning. The only way to solve this problem is to take a decongestant and seek medical help if your infection gets worse.
Periodontal Disease
When plaque builds up on your teeth and forms tartar, your irritated gums can slowly start to pull away from your teeth. Discomfort from periodontal disease can last throughout the day, but you may notice it more at night. When you notice gum inflammation, visit a dentist for the care and attention you need.
Sleep Positions
Sometimes just the way you slept can cause pain in your jaw or teeth. If your hand is directly under your jaw, the pressure over the course of the night can leave you sore. Make sure you remove jewelry before you go to bed to avoid any pain from bracelets or rings pressing against your mouth.
Tooth Grinding
Tooth pain is one of the most common symptoms of tooth grinding, or Bruxism. You may not be aware that you are grinding your teeth in your sleep, but it can cause pain and damage in your mouth. Some other consequences of tooth grinding are eroded tooth enamel and damaged fillings or crowns.
Tooth Grinding Prevention
If you suspect you are grinding your teeth in your sleep, visit a dentist to talk about the teeth grinding solutions available to you. You may need extra help if you have a severe case such as one of the following:
- Muscle relaxant medication
- Reshaping teeth procedures
- Natural habits
- Nutrition changes
By far the most common solution to teeth grinding is wearing a mouthguard when you sleep. A dentist can make sure you are fitted accurately and that your sleep is uninterrupted by painful grinding.
Trust Gulf Coast Dental
When you have pain or discomfort, count on our team to make sure you are taken care of. We care about our patients and want to make sure that you have answers to your concerns. Never hesitate to reach out with any problems. Contact us today for more questions or to schedule an appointment!
