Toothache during pregnancy is extremely frustrating for would-be mothers. It puts additional stress to the body, which is already stressed because of pregnancy. It is caused due to a rise in the hormone levels in the body, which tend to make the teeth and gums prone to bacterial infection. Pregnancy gingivitis, or inflammation of the gums, and periodontal gum disease are the most common dental problems faced by pregnant women. If these conditions are left untreated, then tumors can develop on the gums. As a result, you will get swollen and bleeding gums, which will make activities like eating or speaking painful. In case these problems are neglected, it can lead to several complications, like miscarriages, preterm labor, or low birth weight of the newborn.
Toothaches During Pregnancy
If you are suffering from toothache, do not hesitate to take an appointment with your dentist. Also, when you visit your dentist, you must inform him/her that you are pregnant. The dentist will give you pain killers to provide pain relief. He/she may also prescribe some antibiotics, like penicillin, to treat the infection. Regular dental work is usually postponed till the delivery. In case the infection is severe, like a cavity, some dental work may be done. The exact problem is identified with the help of x-rays. The main concern of pregnant women for dental work are the effects of the x-ray and anesthesia on the unborn child. However, you need not worry about it as the dentist will take proper care to ensure the safety for your child. He/she will give you a special kind of apron that can protect the baby from the harmful effects of the x-ray radiation. Moreover, the dosage of anesthesia is kept to a minimum to ensure protection of the unborn child.
Home Remedies
There are several home remedies that can effectively provide relief from the pain without any side effects. Following home treatments should be used only till you get an appointment from your dentist:
- Clove:
This is an excellent home remedy for a toothache and it acts as an effective painkiller. Crush one or two cloves between the teeth and let the juices flow out in the mouth. Keep the cloves near the painful tooth. Within an hour, you will find that the pain has gone down to a great extent. Clove oil can also be used for this purpose. Soak a cotton ball in the oil and place it over your tooth. As the oil spreads, it will have a soothing effect on the toothache. - Saline Water:
To prepare this solution, dissolve about one teaspoon of salt into a cup of warm water. Take some of the mixture in your mouth and rinse for about 30 seconds before spitting it out. Salt is slightly antiseptic and can kill the bacteria present in the mouth, thus subsiding the pain and inflammation temporarily. - Hot and Cold Pack:
Application of hot and cold packs alternatively on the affected tooth can also prove to be beneficial. Cold packs have a numbing effect on the swollen tooth, while the heat can drain out any abscess formed.
The above remedies can help you to at least reduce the pain, if not cure the problem completely. However, even though you now know what to take for a toothache during pregnancy, it is not advised to continue with self treatment for a long time. Consulting a dentist as soon as possible is the recommended course of action. Also, you should take special dental care to prevent infection of the gums and teeth when you are pregnant. Use a fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth daily and floss them at least once a day. Include lots of calcium, vitamin C, and vitamin B12 in your diet, as these are good for dental health. Avoid foods that have sugary content, as they increase the plaque and tartar build-up on the teeth.
