Why do my teeth hurt when I wake up?

Teeth hurting when you wake up is a fairly common issue and one that doesn't necessarily mean cause for dental concern but it can also signal potential dental issues. There could be several reasons why your teeth hurt when you wake up. Here are some possibilities:


  • Grinding or clenching teeth: If you grind or clench your teeth while you sleep, it can cause pain in your teeth, jaw, and surrounding muscles.
  • Tooth decay: If you have tooth decay, it can cause pain in your teeth, especially when you wake up in the morning.
  • Gum disease: If you have gum disease, it can cause inflammation and pain in your gums, which can lead to tooth pain.
  • Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD): TMD is a condition that affects the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. It can cause pain in the jaw, face, and teeth.
  • Sinus infection: A sinus infection can cause pain in the upper teeth, especially if the infection is located near the sinuses.


If you are experiencing tooth pain when you wake up, it's best to see a dentist for an evaluation and dental advice to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate dental treatment. Sometimes this problem can be solved with a simple Night Guard.


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