Why Are My Teeth Sore When I Wake Up?
Do you ever go to sleep with your teeth in perfect working condition, and wake up with your teeth feeling sore? Sometimes this soreness might be worsened by jaw pain and a headache. In some cases, sore teeth in the morning can be so extreme that patients are not able to chew their breakfast or feel comfortable brushing their teeth.
Suffice it to say, waking up with sore teeth is not the most pleasant way to start your day. Beyond putting you in a bad mood for the day, sore teeth in the morning might be indicative of a bigger dental health issue, and your dental health might be in danger. Today, we’re going to look at some of the primary reasons why your teeth might be sore in the morning, and when you should consult with our dentist to find a treatment for your problem.
Teeth Grinding Or Jaw Clenching At Night
You have probably heard of people grinding their teeth or clenching their jaw, a dental condition known as bruxism. Sleep bruxism is one of the most common reasons why patients wake up with sore teeth. A lot of people will experience teeth grinding at some point in their life. It is estimated that 1 out of 12 people grinds their teeth while they sleep.
While the exact cause of sleep bruxism is unknown, it is commonly linked to a number of factors, such as stress, bad dreams, alcohol, caffeine, or irregular sleeping temperatures. It is hard for patients who grind their teeth in their sleep to realize what is happening, since they are unconscious and don’t realize what is happening. Unfortunately, when people ignore tooth pain in the morning and don’t find a treatment to their bruxism, the condition can lead to dull teeth that are prone to cracking and breaking. Therefore, teeth grinding is a serious condition, in which you should seek dental treatment immediately.
One easy treatment for teeth grinding and jaw clenching is to wear a dental night guard. Dental guards protect the surfaces of your teeth from coming into contact with one another, so even if you are grinding your teeth, there won’t be any detrimental effects on your teeth.
At Arlington Dentistry by Design, we recommend custom-made night guards, which are created by dental impressions of your teeth. Custom-made night guards are much more effective than store bought dental guards, since they create little room for friction for teeth grinders. If you think you might be grinding your teeth at night, we will be able to diagnose and treat your condition by assessing the surface of your teeth.
Food Left In Your Teeth Overnight
Another common conundrum that can make your teeth feel sore in the morning is leaving food in your teeth at night from forgetting to brush before bed. Hard foods or meat stuck between the teeth are more likely to cause this condition, since their particles cause pressure in-between the teeth. Fortunately, this is an easy problem to avoid by making sure you brush your teeth and floss before sleep. By brushing and flossing before bed, you are able to extract any food particles and ensure you receive a comfortable night’s rest.
Sleeping In A Strange Position
Patients who are inclined to sleep certain ways are more likely to wake up with sore teeth. For example, people who sleep with their hand under their face near the jaw or those who sleep with something hard under their jaw, like rings or bracelets, are more prone to waking up with a sore jaw and teeth. If you believe this might be the cause of your sore teeth, you should observe the problem area by pinpointing where the pain and soreness are occurring. If the discomfort is solely on one side of your face or on either your upper or lower arch, then chances are you should try and change up your sleeping position. You can also try and avoid this discomfort by making sure you remove all of your jewelry before bed.
Patients also might experience soreness if they sleep with their face on their bed railing or against their bedroom wall. If you have a bed rail that you find yourself sleeping against, try placing a pillow between the bed rails and yourself.
What To Do If Your Teeth Are Sore In The Morning
If you’re experiencing chronic sore teeth in the morning, there are easy and convenient solutions to your condition. The quickest way to get to the bottom of your problem is by scheduling an appointment with our dentist. We will assess the sore area to determine causes of your jaw and teeth soreness. If we determine that TMJ or a jaw misalignment is the culprit of your bruxism, we can devise a treatment plan from there. We can also rule out other common causes of sore teeth, like gum disease, cavities, or even sinus infections. Contact us today to learn more.
