Toothache while pregnant

Fact Checked

Pregnant women are more susceptible to have swelling gums and gingivitis caused by changing hormones and stress during pregnancy and the body becomes weak along with toothaches.

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Causes

• Toothaches during pregnancy can be caused by pregnancy gingivitis which is swelling and inflammation of the gums. If this condition is not properly treated, it can result to periodontal disease which is a severe infection of the gums and gum abscess.
• Hormonal and psychological factors in which some affected women increases the consumption of sugar that results to toothaches while pregnant.
• Deficiency in calcium in which pregnant women with low levels of calcium can cause weakening of the natural demineralization cycle of the tooth and increase the risk of having toothaches and cavities.

  

• Toothaches during pregnancy can be caused by morning sickness where there is vomiting that can cause irritation of the gums due to acids in the stomach and demineralization of the enamel of the tooth. In addition, there is an increase in the risk for gum disease and tooth decay.
• Poor oral hygiene in which some affected women is sensitive to the smell and taste of the toothpaste and avoid brushing their teeth. This puts them at high risk of developing dental problems and toothaches.

Treatment

• Take the prescribed over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen or aspirin in order to help minimize toothaches.
• Perform regular oral hygiene such as brushing and flossing of teeth.
• Chew a whole clove at least 1-2 times for 30 minutes at a time.
• Gargle using warm water since it helps soothes the pain and prevents infection from spreading.
• Apply a warm or cold compress on the affected tooth in order to help lessen the pain.
• Apply a prescribed topical cream that contains benzocaine which is safe while pregnant and safe for teething babies.
• Prepare a saline solution by dissolving ½ teaspoon rock salt powder in a glass of warm water and sip the solution and rotate it in the mouth for at least 1-2 minutes to help lessen the pain. Spit out the water and repeat this procedure at least twice every day in order to help minimize the toothaches.
• Burn turmeric sticks and grind into fine powder and apply on the aching tooth to lessen the pain.
• If pain still persists within a day or two, seek medical help immediately.

Tips

• In order to help minimize the risk of pregnancy toothache, maintain regular visit to the dentist. Before becoming pregnant, visit the dentist for tooth examination and dental cleaning. If there are any dental conditions, they should be properly treated.
• Avoid consumption of sugar in order to help prevent the growth of bacterial plaque. Increase the intake of calcium in order to help with the proper development of the bones of the fetus.
• Maintain good oral hygiene during the pregnancy in order to help prevent dental problems such as pregnancy gingivitis.