Tooth Pain During Pregnancy: Causes, Treatment and Prevention

An unexpected concern associated with pregnancy is a toothache. With the change in hormones, diet changes, and frequent exposure to stomach acids all thanks to morning sickness, it is no surprise that your dental health gets compromised.

Remember that your oral health will affect not just you but your baby too as it can negatively impact your overall health which in turn can affect your unborn baby. Hence, you must prevent gum infection, tooth decay, cavities, etc during pregnancy by stepping up your oral care regime.

Interested to know more about how pregnancy affects your dental health and how you can treat and prevent tooth pain when you are pregnant? We are here for your rescue as always. Here is everything you must know about tooth pain during pregnancy.

Common Causes of Tooth Pain During Pregnancy

It’s no secret that there is a dramatic fluctuation in your hormones when you are pregnant. This hormonal shift opens the door to various dental problems like:

Gum diseases

Gingivitis happens to be one of the unexpected side effects of pregnancy. Gingivitis is a common gum disease that makes your gums sore, and tender and causes them to bleed.

Morning sickness

We all know that morning sickness during the first trimester is a real deal. Your teeth come in constant contact with stomach acids and this leads to enamel erosion and tooth sensitivity and pain.

Increase intake of sugary foods

Pregnant women are known to constantly crave sugary drinks and snacks. This affects their dental health and makes them susceptible to cavities and tooth decay.

Plaque build-up

Your body’s natural capacity to fight plaque buildup is reduced because of pregnancy hormones. To top it off, your oral hygiene is sacrificed all thanks to morning sickness. This results in plaque accumulation which increases the risk of tooth decay.

Hormonal imbalance

Pregnancy brings along with it an increased level of progesterone. What does this mean? An increased level of progesterone means an increased risk of dental plaque-induced gingivitis condition. It is referred to as pregnancy gingivitis which causes swollen, inflamed and bleeding gums.

Gum tumour

In some women, during their second trimester of pregnancy, they witness an overgrowth of tissue on their gums between their teeth. These tumours are susceptible to bleeding and they cause difficulty in chewing, sensitive teeth and inflamed gums.

3 Simple Tips to Relieve Tooth Pain

Wondering how you can relieve your tooth pain in pregnancy? Here are some easy ways in which you can manage your tooth pain better.

• You can consider taking over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen to relieve tooth pain. Make sure that you avoid ibuprofen, aspirin, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs when you are pregnant.
• You can also consider applying Benzocaine which is a numbing gel to the affected area.
• You can consider indulging in at-home treatment options like cold compress, salt water rinse , and applying aloe vera to the area that is causing toothache.

Note: Before taking any medication during pregnancy, it is important that you always check first with your doctor to avoid any side effects

Treatments for Tooth Pain in Pregnancy

Here are a few ways in which you can treat tooth pain during pregnancy.

See your dentist

You must see your dentist immediately if you suffer from toothache in pregnancy as your dentist will be able to detect the root cause of the pain. Your dentist will accordingly suggest a routine dental cleanup or a specific dental procedure like cavity filling or root canal to treat your tooth pain.

Home remedies for toothache during pregnancy

The good news is that there are certain home remedies that can give you temporary relief and alleviate the tooth pain caused during pregnancy. Here are some handy home remedies that will help to manage toothache caused by pregnancy better.

1. Indulge in a saltwater rinse that will help to alleviate your toothache and give relief to sore gums.
2. You can also use a cold compress to numb your tooth pain.
3. Include food items like milk, pomegranate juice, and aloe vera which are known to give relief from tooth pain.
4. You can also consider swishing warm water and baking soda mixture. This will help to protect your tooth enamel which is overexposed to the acid because of vomiting.
5. Apply clove oil directly to the affected area to seek relief from toothache.
6. Drink warm milk to seek relief from gum bleeding and inflammation.
7. Garlic contains a compound called allicin which is known to be a natural antibiotic. So, you can apply garlic directly to the area that is causing toothache.

Note: Before trying any home remedy during pregnancy, it is important that you always check first with your doctor to avoid any side effects

Toothache Prevention While Pregnant

Wondering how you can take extra care of your teeth and prevent dental problems during pregnancy?

Here are a few tips to prevent tooth pain in pregnancy.

• Invest in an acid-neutralising toothpaste that will help to effectively remove stomach acids from your mouth every time you vomit.
• Limit your intake of sugary snacks and drinks to prevent tooth decay and cavities.
• Inform your dentist when you are pregnant so that he or she can set you up for a routine dental clean-up which will allow you to level up your oral care game.

The Takeaway

With routine dental cleanup and by stepping up your oral game, you can easily prevent and manage tooth pain in pregnancy.

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Visit the makeO website today and get your hands on new-age and ultra-cool makeO toothsi oral care products that will give you pearly white teeth with minimum effort.

FAQs:

Can I go to the dentist while pregnant?

Yes, going for routine dental clean-ups is safe and encouraged for pregnant women to prevent plaque build-up, cavities, and gum diseases.

Can I get a root canal while pregnant?

Yes, there is no harm in getting a root canal done while you are pregnant.

Is it important to floss while you are pregnant?

Yes, it is important to floss while you are pregnant as your mouth is frequently exposed to stomach acids because of morning sickness. Flossing helps to remove the food particles in between your teeth and keep your teeth squeaky clean. It also helps prevent toothache in pregnancy.

Which toothbrush is best for pregnant women?

A soft-bristled toothbrush or makeO toothsi’s electric toothbrush on sensitive mode is best for pregnant women to gently clean off the plaque buildup.

Why do my teeth hurt while pregnant?

Pregnancy hormones can cause tooth pain in pregnancy as they affect the way your body deals with plaque buildup and bacteria in your mouth. Your teeth are more susceptible to suffering from cavities, sensitivity, and gum diseases when you are pregnant because of hormonal changes.

How can I relieve tooth pain during pregnancy?

By maintaining a solid oral care regime and resorting to home remedies like cold compress and salt water rinse, you can relieve toothache caused during pregnancy.

How can I prevent dental problems during pregnancy?

By regularly brushing and flossing your teeth, going for routine dental check-ups, and limiting your intake of sugar foods and beverages, you can prevent several dental problems like cavities, tooth decay, and gum diseases during pregnancy.