Experiencing pain from your wisdom tooth when you lay down can be both frustrating and concerning. Wisdom tooth pain, especially when it intensifies at certain times, like when you're lying down, may indicate a few underlying issues. Understanding the causes of this pain can help you manage it better and seek the appropriate treatment. Here are some common reasons why wisdom tooth pain may worsen when you lay down:
1. Increased Blood Flow to the Head
When you lay down, the position of your body can affect how blood circulates throughout your body, including your mouth. Lying flat increases blood flow to your head, which can cause the nerves around your wisdom teeth to become more sensitive. If there's already inflammation or infection in the area, this increased blood flow can exacerbate the pain, making it feel more intense.
2. Pressure on the Tooth
Laying down can also change the pressure on your teeth. When you're upright, the force on your teeth is more evenly distributed. However, when you lie down, gravity may put more pressure on certain areas of your mouth, including your wisdom teeth. If there’s an tooth infection, impaction, or even just a sore spot from your wisdom tooth, this pressure can increase discomfort.
3. Tooth Infection or Abscess
If your wisdom tooth is infected or you have an abscess, the pain may become more noticeable when you lie down. The bacteria in an infected tooth can cause swelling and inflammation. When you lay down, the blood flow increases, and the swelling may worsen, leading to more pain. An abscessed wisdom tooth is often accompanied by throbbing pain that can be aggravated by changes in position.
4. Impacted Wisdom Tooth
An impacted wisdom tooth, which is one that doesn’t fully emerge from the gum line, can cause significant pain. When you’re lying down, the pain may feel sharper or more intense. This is due to the tooth being trapped under the gums or against neighboring teeth, which can irritate the surrounding tissues and nerves, particularly when there's added pressure.
5. Teeth Grinding or Clenching
Many people grind or clench their teeth at night, often unconsciously while they sleep. This can be especially problematic if you have a wisdom tooth that is partially erupted, infected, or impacted. The pressure from grinding can put added strain on the tooth and the surrounding area, making the pain feel worse when you’re lying down.
6. Sinus Pressure
Interestingly, wisdom tooth pain in the upper jaw can sometimes be confused with sinus pain. The roots of the upper wisdom teeth are close to the sinuses, and when you lie down, the pressure can affect the sinuses, causing discomfort that feels like tooth pain. In such cases, a sinus infection or sinusitis can exacerbate the feeling of pain in the upper jaw.
7. Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder
Some people suffer from TMJ disorders, which affect the jaw joint and muscles. If your wisdom teeth are contributing to jaw misalignment or added stress, the pain may worsen when you’re lying down, as it may further strain the muscles or joints around your mouth.
What Can You Do to Relieve Wisdom Tooth Pain When Lying Down?
If your wisdom tooth pain worsens when you lay down, there are several things you can do to help alleviate the discomfort:
-
Sleep with Your Head Elevated: Propping up your head with extra pillows can reduce blood flow to the area and help alleviate throbbing pain.
-
Cold Compress: Applying a cold compress or ice pack to your jaw can help reduce inflammation and numb the pain. This can be especially effective before bedtime.
-
Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can help reduce both pain and inflammation. Be sure to follow the recommended dosage.
-
Salt Water Rinse: Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water can help reduce swelling and clean the affected area, particularly if there’s an infection.
-
Avoid Pressure on the Tooth: Try not to rest your cheek on the painful side while lying down. This will help reduce unnecessary pressure on the affected area.
-
Consult a Dentist: If the pain persists or is severe, it's important to consult a dentist. An X-ray may be needed to determine if your wisdom tooth is impacted, infected, or causing other complications. Your dentist may suggest treatment options like drainage, antibiotics, or in some cases, wisdom tooth extraction.
Experiencing wisdom tooth pain when you lay down is often caused by increased blood flow, pressure changes, or an underlying issue like infection or impaction. Although there are ways to manage the pain, it’s essential to address the root cause of the problem. If your wisdom tooth pain is persistent or severe, visiting your dentist will help ensure proper treatment and prevent further complications.