Is a toothache during pregnancy dangerous? Treatment and home remedies

Many moms-to-be wonder if dental treatment during pregnancy is safe. The fact is that most procedures do not pose a threat to the health and life of the fetus, so they must be performed whenever necessary. More harm can come from procrastinating to visit the dentist.

Toothache and pregnancy

In pregnancy, toothache can occur in any trimester. Its most common cause is damage to the tissue that covers dentin. This is especially true in women who suffer from persistent vomiting or gastroesophageal reflux – the acidic contents of the stomach destroy enamel very quickly. A painful tooth during pregnancy can also be the result of decay or inflammation. In addition to pain, swelling, hypersensitivity, pain in the ear area and difficulty eating often occur.

Pregnant women very often complain of toothache. Under the influence of pregnancy hormones, hypersensitivity of teeth and gums appears. In addition, the pH of saliva changes, which promotes the proliferation of bacteria and remineralization of enamel.

Is a toothache during pregnancy dangerous?

Toothache during pregnancy is a sign that something bad is happening in the mouth. Inflammation or bacterial infection of the oral cavity is dangerous for the developing fetus, as microorganisms from damaged tissues can enter the bloodstream. Untreated toothache in pregnancy can contribute to low birth weight of the baby and uterine contraction activity, and thus to preterm labor or miscarriage.

Failure to treat a toothache during pregnancy further results in the expansion of pathogenic processes in the dental tissues. As a result, the teeth are weakened and damaged, and the only salvation is to remove them.

What to do when a toothache occurs during pregnancy?

When a toothache occurs during pregnancy, you should visit your dentist. The specialist will assess the condition of the cavity, determine the cause of the discomfort and prescribe the appropriate therapy – safe for the given period of pregnancy. It is worth remembering that tooth extraction, root canal treatment (including with anesthesia) after the first trimester can be performed without fear for the baby’s health. In contrast, replenishment is possible throughout pregnancy.

Pain medication for toothache during pregnancy must not be taken without consulting a doctor. Some of them (even over-the-counter ones) contain substances that interfere with normal fetal development. Moreover, some pharmaceuticals can only be taken during a certain trimester. Therefore, it is recommended that you first try home remedies for toothache in pregnancy.

How to relieve toothache during pregnancy with home remedies?

Home remedies for toothache in pregnancy are effective in combating unpleasant discomfort, but they do not remove the cause, so they can only be used as a support for therapy ordered by a dentist.

Home remedies for toothache in pregnancy include cold compresses. Ice cubes should be wrapped in a towel and applied to the cheek on the side of the ailment present. This activity can be repeated several times a day. For toothache during pregnancy, a woman can also try herbal rinses. You need to brew an infusion of sage or chamomile and rinse your mouth with it. These herbs exhibit anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.

A painful tooth during pregnancy requires special hygiene. The mouth should be cleaned in the morning and evening, as well as after each meal. To do this, it is advisable to use a toothbrush with appropriate bristles. It is also good to use dental floss to clean hard-to-reach areas.

See also: What is the importance of calcium in pregnancy?