Waking Up with Tooth Pain
Do you wake up with tooth pain?
The most common cause of oral pain in the morning is Bruxism: (involuntary grinding or clenching of the teeth) generally occurring when you are sleeping. Bruxism is generally caused by anxiety or stress. Most people don’t even realize they are doing this. Bruxism can cause damage to your teeth such as worn down enamel which can cause tooth decay, cracked teeth and teeth sensitivity. Also, headaches can be caused by grinding or clenching your teeth.
Solution:
If you suspect you are grinding your teeth. A visit to the dentist is recommended. A comprehensive dental exam will be done to ascertain what damage has been done to your teeth as a result of teeth grinding.
After any dental work needed has been completed. Your dentist will recommend a Bruxism mouth appliance. This will prevent any further damage to your teeth.
Try to identify the reason for the stress and address it.
A lifestyle change may be needed to help alleviate stress.
Another cause may be TMJD (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder) The TMJ is the joint that connects the jaw to the skull. TMJ disorders may cause symptoms such as :
pain or discomfort in the jaws Locking of the joint, making it difficult to open and close your mouth. You may have difficulty chewing or swallowing. Other symptoms may include pain around the ears, clicking or grating sensations when you open your mouth.
The severity of the pain or discomfort is different for every individual.
Solution: A full dental exam is needed to diagnose TMJ. Your dentist will then recommend the appropriate treatment.
Other causes of morning oral pain :
Tooth Decay
Gum Disease
Impacted Teeth
Abscess
Cracked/Broken Teeth
Teeth Sensitivity
Infection
These causes can also be more prevalent in the morning. As we go about our day we may not notice tooth pain or discomfort as much as we do when we first wake up. This may be due in part simply because we are busy throughout the day. We may even take something for the pain during the day and in the morning the effects have worn off.
The most important takeaway is that if you have tooth pain anytime. You must see your dentist as soon as possible. Ignoring tooth pain will only result in more serious dental issues. Practicing proper oral hygiene and seeing your dental professional regularly will go a long way in preventing more serious dental issues.
If you are experiencing tooth pain or sensitivity. Please call our office to book your comprehensive dental exam.