Waking up with a toothache can be a frustrating start to your day. If you’ve ever found yourself wondering, “Why do my teeth hurt when I wake up?" you’re not alone. Many people experience morning dental discomfort, and understanding the underlying causes can help you find relief.
In this article, we’ll explore the science behind those pesky morning toothaches, discuss common culprits like bruxism and sinusitis, and share effective treatment options and home remedies to keep your smile pain-free.
Causes of Tooth Pain
Some causes of tooth pain are as follows, which will help you prevent this disease.
Sinusitis
Sinusitis, caused by the illness of the nasal sinuses, can lead to pressure on the teeth, resulting in morning tooth pain This pain will not be confined to a single tooth but rather a general area around your teeth Symptoms of sinusitis include fever, facial pressure, coughs, and sore throats. Sinusitis can be treated effectively with appropriate medication.
Bruxism
Bruxism, a medical term for teeth grinding, is a common cause of morning tooth pain. Many people grind their teeth at night while they are sleeping without even realizing it. This is known as awake bruxism. This can occur in patients of all ages, even kids. Bruxism caused by stress can lead to tooth pain, jaw pain, and dental damage. If you feel something happening to you, then make sure to see a dentist.
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD)
Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMD) is a reason for morning tooth pain. This condition affects the teeth and jaw, causing pain and dental problems. Bruxism, or tooth grinding, is a common cause of TMD. Symptoms of TMD include jaw pain, problems opening or closing the mouth, and headaches. If you suffer from these symptoms, you should see a dentist for proper treatment and diagnosis.
Cavities
Cavities can spread into the inner layer of a tooth if not taken care of. The nerves and blood vessels of the tooth can be found here.
Untreated cavities in the teeth can produce regular distressing or harmful pain. This is referred to as a pulp infection.
Gum Disease
Dental gingivitis is an early, simple form of gum disease. Gingivitis can result in red, swollen gums that bleed when brushed. Toothaches can be caused by the buildup of plaque along the gumline.
Untreated gum disease may lead to periodontal infection, a serious type of gum disease. Periodontitis is a severe gum infection that can harm gums as well as teeth, tissues, and the jawbone. Periodontitis results in tooth difficulties and, in some instances, tooth loss.
Impacted Tooth
The Gum Line is unable to grow out in the impacted tooth. Teeth become partially or totally damaged when there is not enough space in the mouth to accept growing. This can develop from impacted teeth, and inheritance could also have a part. Affected teeth can lead to red, swollen, and painful cheeks. Pain can be mild, miserable, or acute. Molars are among the most probable to be affected. The frontal molars (upper eye teeth) may also be harmed. Tooth impaction can cause swelling and inflammation, resulting in pain when you wake up.
Tooth Abscess
A dental abscess is another possibility for significant tooth pain in the morning. An abscess is a pus-filled hole formed as a result of bacterial infection. A tooth abscess can form in a tooth's root or in the gums that get infected.
Abscesses can result in severe tooth pain, gum swelling, redness, and fever. Because the nerves in teeth are located within this area, germs can enter the nerve and cause terrible pain. A dentist or specialist must be visited for treatment of the abscess.
Sleeping Position
Sleeping position is one of the causes of toothache. In a few instances, tooth pain in the morning might be caused by your sleep posture. If you are experiencing severe pain on one side of your mouth, it may be due to a stressful sleeping posture.
For example, sleeping with your hands beneath your mouth may result in toothache in the morning, especially if you wear a wristwatch or bracelet to sleep. To avoid inserting pressure on your face when sleeping, remove any jewelry and lift your head with a comfortable pillow.
Acidic Foods
Eating too many acidic foods, such as cola, sweets, and citrus fruit, could damage your tooth surface. When the protective coating breaks out, teeth become at risk of damage to your nerves, which could cause you to awaken with tooth pain. Try to reduce your intake of acidic food and wait at least 30 minutes before eating after brushing your teeth since brushing may increase harm to your teeth, whereas acid remains in your mouth after eating.
Dehydration
Drinking sufficient water is good, especially for your overall health and your teeth, as it helps to clean out germs and food particles that can cause tooth decay. Water also provides relief from the symptoms of a dry mouth, which increases the possibility of gum disease. If you regularly wake up with a dry mouth and toothache, think about drinking more water throughout the day.
What are Some Home Remedies for Tooth Pain?
There are some home treatments that might help you reduce or remove little tooth pain, which usually occurs in the morning.
- Attempt to find the cause of morning tooth pain by reading the descriptions of the disorders listed above.
- Try one or more of the suggestions that follow to see what works best for your pain:
- If you grind your teeth or suffer from TMJ, wear a dental brace when sleeping. Consider using an over-the-counter (OTC) mouth guard or seeing a dentist design that matches your teeth perfectly.
- If you feel you have a sinus infection, use an OTC antibiotic or consult your doctor.
- If your teeth are suffering when you eat or drink something hot or cold, use sensitive-tooth paste.
- Apply a cotton ball dipped in clove oil to the affected teeth multiple times each day.
- Rub warm salt water within the teeth many times each day.
- Apply an ice pack to the outside of your face for 15 minutes at a time, multiple times each day.
- Take a prescription painkiller, such as aspirin or acetaminophen to relieve pain that doesn't respond to other home remedies.
What are Some Medical Treatments for Tooth Pain?
Here are some medical treatments for tooth pain, depending on the cause:
- Cavities that are significant in producing dental pain have to be treated.
- Severe cavities could require additional dental procedures, such as crowns or root canal therapy.
- Gingivitis is usually treated with regular brushing and dental care, such as common professional cleaning procedures.
- Early gum disease may be treated by washing and tissue arranging. This process removes plaque beneath the gumline and smoothes the tooth root's surface. Dental surgery may be required in severe periodontitis.
- For the treatment of a tooth or abscess, absorption and antibiotics are usually necessary. You may also require a treatment, such as a root canal or the removal of a tooth.
- Impacted teeth that cause pain are generally removed. This surgery usually takes place by a dentist.
- Antibiotics may be the best treatment for a short-term (acute) sinus infection because they help remove infections. Long-term (chronic) sinusitis can require the removal of tumors that grow in the nasal cavity. Surgery may also prepare the sinus cavities and remove difficulties that prevent air from getting through them.
When Should I Call a Doctor?
Symptoms to be examined by a doctor or dentist include:
- Symptoms of a severe. tooth, sinus problems, or gum infection, including continual discomfort, face swelling, and fluid leakage.
- Your dentist is responsible for treating fever, cavities, affected teeth, abscess formation, and gum disease. This helps to stop or reduce the harm caused, in addition to reducing the chance of further illness or tooth loss.
Conclusion
Many reasons for moderate tooth pain in the morning may lead to home remedies. However, some reasons for long-term, chronic morning tooth pain could require a visit to the dentist. Pus, fever, and swelling are all signs of a tooth infection and should be examined by the dentist as soon as possible.