Tooth Pain In Pregnancy: What You Can Do About It

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During pregnancy, women are exposed to a multitude of new experiences throughout the duration of their term, some of which can be uncomfortable and even painful. However, aside from the most obvious side effects, such as morning sickness, inflammation, and hormone changes, some women experience unbearable tooth pain while pregnant. Although it’s important to note that experiencing is relatively common, there is no need to panic.

In this article, we are going to discuss what you can do if you experience tooth pain in pregnancy, as well as some of our recommendations for what to use for toothache during pregnancy so you can be sure that both you and your baby are safe.

Common Oral Problems During Pregnancy

As mentioned, tooth pain in pregnancy pregnant is not uncommon, but that doesn’t mean it is something that should be ignored. In fact, being pregnant can increase your risk of oral health problems due to a wide number of factors, such as increased hormone levels (progesterone and estrogen), changes in eating habits, brushing and flossing habits changing, and so on.

  • Some pregnant women experience something called pregnancy thrush, which is caused by a yeast overgrowth of the tongue and along the inside of the cheeks. The best way to spot if you have pregnancy thrush is by looking out for milky white patches on the inside of your mouth.
  • Another common condition is swollen gums, which is another issue that you can thank your hormones for. Hormonal changes stimulate blood flow to sensitive areas in your mouth, which can give the uncomfortable experience of having a sensitive teeth pregnancy.
  • Another common cause of pregnant tooth pain is your wisdom teeth, which have been known to act up while you are carrying a baby. This is usually brought on by increased blood flow and hormone changes. So, can you get your wisdom teeth removed while pregnant? Fortunately, yes. Wisdom teeth extractions can be performed during pregnancy, although the preferred time period is during the second trimester.

Tooth pain in pregnancyCauses of Tooth Pain in Pregnancy

Toothache during pregnancy can be caused by many different things. Since your body is undergoing a lot of changes, sometimes unusual side effects occur that can be hard to explain. With that said, here are some of the most common explanations:

A buildup of plaque

While pregnant, your body sometimes changes its natural response to highlighting plaque. If your body decides to stop fighting it off as it normally does, then this plaque can begin to accumulate on your teeth and gums, which can cause tooth decay. In turn, this can lead to cavities and a wide range of unwanted oral issues.

Morning sickness

Believe it or not, tooth pain while pregnant can sometimes be put down to morning sickness. If your morning sickness causes you to vomit, the acid from your stomach can burn and damage your teeth, destroying the enamel. This exposes them to bacteria and can lead to further problems, such as swollen gums during pregnancy and tooth decay.

Gum disease

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.

Tooth pain Prevention While Pregnant

As mentioned, prevention is better than the cure here. With this in mind, try to increase the frequency of your oral hygiene routine.

In addition to this, make sure you rinse out of your mouth after brushing or drink water after vomiting to get rid of any excess stomach acid that could be damaging your teeth.

Lastly, limit sugary foods and carbohydrates and try to eat a natural, clean, and balanced diet. Not only is this best for your teeth, but it is also what’s best for your baby.

Going to the Dentist During Pregnancy

Now that you know that pregnancy can make your wisdom tooth pain unbearable, as well as a wide variety of oral issues such as swollen gums and infection, you need to be prepared for visiting the dentist during your pregnancy. Many women make the mistake of thinking that it’s okay to skip their dental appointments once they are pregnant, but that is simply not true. Not only is it safe for you to visit the dentist and have procedures done, but it’s also the best thing for you to do for both you and your child.

The need for teeth removal during pregnancy is an occurrence that many women have encountered. So if you are experiencing any pain, please contact us right away to keep your teeth in good shape at any stage of life.