Unbearable Tooth Pain in Pregnancy: Causes & Treatment

The third trimester of pregnancy is an incredible time—a time to feel the baby’s movement and anticipation of the impending arrival. However, it can also be a stressful time, and one area of concern many expectant moms face is unbearable tooth pain. The discomfort can be extremely hard to manage and can interfere with daily life. In addition to being disruptive and potentially dangerous, tooth pain can also be a sign of other issues like an infection or gum disease. Fortunately, there are ways to mitigate tooth pain during pregnancy, and this blog post will provide information and resources to help expecting mothers make the most of their third trimester.

Causes of Tooth Pain in Pregnancy

Toothache during pregnancy can be caused by many different things. Your body is going through a lot of changes, so occasionally strange side effects happen that are challenging to understand. Following that, the following are some of the most typical justifications:

Your body occasionally modifies its natural response to highlighting plaque while you are pregnant. Plaque can start to build up on your teeth and gums if your body decides not to fight it off as it normally would, which could lead to tooth decay. This can then result in cavities and a host of other undesirable oral health problems.

It may surprise you to learn that morning sickness can sometimes be blamed for tooth pain during pregnancy. If you vomit due to morning sickness, the stomach acid can burn and harm your teeth, eroding the enamel. This exposes them to bacteria and can cause additional issues, like tooth decay and swollen gums during pregnancy.

An estimated 75% of pregnant women suffer from gum disease while pregnant, which is known as pregnancy gingivitis. This can lead to periodontal disease, which is a serious condition that needs to be treated by a dentist.

Treatments for Tooth Pain When Pregnant

  • If you have unbearable tooth pain in pregnancy, the first and most important step you need to take is to go and see your dentist. They will check you over and make sure nothing sinister is going on with regard to your oral issues.
  • Secondly, the best treatment is to stay on top of your oral hygiene. This means regular brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash to keep plaque at bay and bacteria to a minimum.
  • Finally, try to stay away from very hot/cold foods since you will likely experience increased sensitivity during your pregnancy.
  • As mentioned, prevention is better than the cure here. Try to increase the frequency of your oral hygiene routine in light of this.

    In addition, be sure to drink water after vomiting to flush out any excess stomach acid that might be harming your teeth. Rinse your mouth after brushing.

    Finally, try to eat a natural, clean, and balanced diet and limit your intake of sugary foods and carbohydrates. This is the best thing for your baby as well as for your teeth.

    How to Manage Unbearable Tooth Pain While Pregnant

    Unbearable Tooth Pain While Pregnant Third Trimester

    This is not the time to neglect your oral hygiene while pregnant!

    The best strategy for preventing tooth and mouth pain is to visit your dentist for regular cleanings. Additionally, you should consistently maintain good oral hygiene between appointments.

    Always let your dentist know the moment you become 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 habits, expecting mothers can still feel discomfort and sensitivity. So, the following are some natural cures and techniques to treat 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.
  • RELATED: All the information you need to know about Vicks safety during pregnancy!

    FAQ

    What can I do for an unbearable toothache while pregnant?

    Swishing warm, salty water (1 teaspoon of salt added to a cup of warm water) around in your mouth can help reduce inflammation, which might offer some relief. Swish the mixture around a few times before spitting it out. If your face is swollen, put an ice pack on your cheek. This can help ease pain and swelling.

    Can I go to the ER for tooth pain while pregnant?

    If you experience toothache while pregnant, call your dentist and tell him or her what you are feeling and if you have had any complications while pregnant. If your dentist is unavailable and you feel as if you have an emergency, go to the emergency room at your nearest hospital. A dentist is usually on call.

    What can I take for a toothache third trimester?

    If you do need pain relief, discuss these remedies with your prenatal medical professional:
    • Acetaminophen (but avoid ibuprofen, aspirin, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
    • Benzocaine (numbing gel)
    • Cold compress (on cheek nearest tooth)
    • Saltwater rinse (one cup warm water and one teaspoon salt)

    Is it normal for teeth to hurt in third trimester?

    Pregnancy Changes

    The most common causes of sensitive teeth during pregnancy include: Hormones. According to the American Pregnancy Association (APA), pregnancy hormones can actually affect the way your body responds to bacteria, which can lead to periodontal infection and – you guessed it – sore teeth and gums.

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