If you experience unbearable tooth pain while pregnant, here’s what to do! We share the best tips, remedies, and advice from professionals!
If you’re a first time mom, you might be surprised by some of the symptoms of pregnancy.
While carrying a child is a magical experience, it also causes plenty of uncomfortable changes in the body.
And this includes everything from hair growth to skin health, body temperature, and mood.
But, did you also know pregnancy affects tooth and mouth health?
Some pregnant women don’t notice any changes to their teeth, but many women experience unbearable tooth pain while pregnant along with other mouth and gum issues.
Additionally, many new moms don’t know which medications and remedies are safe for pregnancy. So, it’s hard to know how to safely relieve pain.
But, we’re here to help!
If you’re struggling with tooth pain or sensitivity, here are the best ways to treat and manage your symptoms!
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Reasons for Tooth Pain While Pregnant
Pregnancy symptoms like nausea, cramping, headaches, and back pain are well-known. But many women don’t expect changes to their teeth.
Unfortunately, hormonal changes from pregnancy can cause a host of oral health issues. Increased blood flow, morning sickness, and acid reflux all have an impact on a woman’s mouth, teeth, and gums.
And if you don’t have enough calcium in your diet, your growing baby may steal calcium from your bones and teeth.
Some women may also change their diets to include more sugary and fatty foods. This may lead to increased tooth sensitivity and decay.
If left untreated, these problems can lead to a serious infection or unbearable tooth and mouth pain.
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Common Ailments
Here are some common tooth ailments during pregnancy to look out for:
- Swollen gums
- Increased tooth sensitivity
- Pregnancy thrush
- Pregnancy gingivitis (which may lead to a severe gum disease called periodontal disease)
- Build up of dental plaque (which may lead to increased cavities and tooth decay)
- Wisdom tooth pain
How to Manage Unbearable Tooth Pain While Pregnant
Pregnancy is not the time to slack on your oral health!
The best way to avoid tooth and mouth pain is to maintain frequent cleanings with your dentist. And you should always practice good oral hygiene in between your appointments.
Always contact your dentist as soon as you know you’re pregnant. And be sure to let them know:
- How far along you are
- If you’re on any prescription or over-the-counter medications
- If your pregnancy is high-risk
But, even with good practices, pregnant women may still experience pain and sensitivity. So, here are some home remedies and methods to manage symptoms:
- Limit sugary foods, cold foods, and cold drinks as these increase pain in sensitive teeth.
- Use fluoride toothpaste to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities.
- Try a salt water rinse (one cup warm water and one teaspoon salt) to soothe sore and swollen gums.
- Try a baking soda rinse to neutralize the acid from reflux or morning sickness.
- Ask your doctor to recommend a safe pain medication.
- Use an ice pack or cold compress to help with swelling.
- Apply Orajel, using a cotton ball or q-tip, to the affected area.
- Try using garlic, clove, or aloe vera. These are natural antibiotics and may help with infections. You can chew on garlic and clove or rub the affected area.
- Drink more milk or increase your calcium intake.
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How To Ease Wisdom Tooth Pain While Pregnant
If you experience wisdom tooth pain when pregnant, you may need to have it removed. Speak with your dentist about the best course of action.
In the meantime, you can apply Orajel around the aching tooth, try a salt water rinse, or use ice to manage the pain.
When to Seek Medical Care
Even the best home remedy is no match for severe pain or serious infection. If you continue to experience pain or your pain level increases, professional dental treatment may be needed.
It’s important to talk to your dentist in these cases to prevent dangerous oral conditions and receive adequate pain relief.
Most dental treatments are safe during pregnancy. So, you don’t have to wait until after the baby comes to seek relief.
The American Dental Association approves the following dental procedures while pregnant:
- Dental cleanings
- Tooth extraction
- Dental x-rays
- Root canal
- Dental fillings
- Local anesthesia
Non-invasive dental problems are safe during the first trimester and throughout pregnancy. However, tooth extractions are best performed during the second trimester or third trimester.
FAQs
If you experience severe tooth pain while pregnant, you should always speak with your dentist. They will make sure there aren’t any serious issues that need to be treated.
In the meantime, you can try:
– Pregnancy-safe medications
– Orajel
– Salt water rinse
– Ice packs or a cold compress
You should also use fluoride toothpaste to strengthen your tooth. And try to limit sweet and cold foods and beverages. (These may increase tooth sensitivity and pain.)
Most dental issues need to be solved by a dentist. But, if your dentist is unavailable and you feel like your situation is an emergency, you can seek help from the ER.
You should always seek immediate medical treatment if you experience pain with a fever, bleeding that won’t stop, or pain that travels down the jaw or neck.
The emergency room will likely offer antibiotics or safe pain medications to help ease symptoms until you’re able to meet with your dentist.
If you’re having trouble sleeping due to tooth pain, you should speak with your dentist to ensure professional treatment isn’t needed.
In the meantime, you can use pregnancy-safe pain medications, an ice pack or cold compress, salt water rinse to soothe swelling or Orajel.
And, make sure you’re maintaining good hygiene practices and using fluoride toothpaste.
The Bottom Line
Here’s the bottom line on how to treat unbearable tooth pain while pregnant:
- Dental care is extremely important during pregnancy. Always inform your dentist when you become pregnant and maintain regular treatments.
- In between treatments, you can try home remedies including:
- Regular flossing and brushing with fluoride toothpaste
- Saltwater or baking soda rinse
- Application of Orajel, garlic, clove, or aloe vera to the affected area
- An ice pack or cold compress
- Increased calcium intake
- Limiting cold and sugary foods and beverages
- Pregnancy-approved pain medications
- For severe dental problems, seek professional help as soon as possible.
- Safe dental procedures during pregnancy include:
- Dental cleanings
- Tooth extraction (in the second and third trimesters)
- Root canal, fillings, and x-rays
- Local anesthesia
NOTE: If you ever experience pain with a fever, bleeding that won’t stop, or pain that flows through the jaw or neck, seek immediate medical treatment.
Want More
If this post was helpful, be sure to check out:
- What to expect during labor for first time moms
- 3 First time mom books worth a read
- The best pregnancy workouts for a quick burn
- The ultimate first time mom baby registry checklist
- What to pack in a hospital bag
- Can I whiten my teeth while breastfeeding?
- How To Sleep With Pelvic Pain During Pregnancy
Your Turn
Did we answer all your questions about unbearable tooth pain while pregnant? Let us know if we missed anything in the comments!
