To relieve toothache during pregnancy and reduce inflammation, the use of paracetamol, rinsing with warm water and salt and/or a cold compress on the cheek may be recommended. However, these measures help to temporarily alleviate the pain, and it is important that the dentist is consulted.
Toothache during pregnancy is a common and frequent situation that occurs due to increased tooth sensitivity or gum inflammation.
It is important that the dentist is consulted whenever there is a toothache, especially when there are other symptoms, such as fever, change in taste, inflammation or redness in the mouth, so that the cause of the pain can be identified and, thus, the most appropriate treatment can be indicated. appropriate and safe during pregnancy.
Main causes
The main causes of toothache during pregnancy are:
- Dental cavityespecially when oral hygiene is not performed properly, which can cause sensitivity and pain when chewing;
- Gingivitis: inflammation caused by increased progesterone during pregnancy, which leads to bleeding when brushing teeth;
- Broken tooth: The crack in the tooth may not be visible to the naked eye, but it can cause pain when in contact with hot or cold foods;
- Tooth infectionwhich can happen when the cavity is not treated and reaches the nerve, which can result in pain when chewing and greater sensitivity of the teeth to cold and heat;
- Abscess: causes swelling in the mouth due to tooth or gum infection;
- Wisdom tooth: It causes inflammation of the gums and is usually accompanied by headache and ear pain.
When the toothache does not go away, you should consult a dentist, as it may be necessary to take medicines such as antibiotics, to treat the infection or to have the tooth cleaned, filled, root canal or extracted.
The causes of toothache can cause serious damage to the pulp of the tooth and, in these cases, it is necessary to have the tooth root canal treated at the dentist. See how root canal treatment is done.
How to relieve toothache during pregnancy
To alleviate toothache during pregnancy until you see the dentist, there are some simple measures, such as:
1. Rinse your mouth with warm water and salt
The warm water and salt solution has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial action, helping to reduce inflammation and toothache or gingivitis, in addition, salt water is a natural antiseptic that helps reduce the amount of bacteria in the mouth.
To make the warm water and salt solution, place a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and mix. Rinse your mouth, swishing the solution for 20 to 30 seconds, 2 to 3 times a day. Spit out the solution then.
It is recommended to use the warm salt water solution for a maximum of one week, as using it for longer can damage tooth enamel, as it is an acidic solution.
The warm water and salt solution should be used with caution if the pregnant woman has high blood pressure or is on a diet that limits salt intake. In these cases, it is recommended to consult your obstetrician before using the warm salt water solution.
2. Apply a cold compress
Applying a cold compress to your cheek can help relieve toothache and swelling in your face.
To make an ice pack, you must place ice inside a thermal bag or place the gel bag in the freezer to cool, and then wrap the bag or gel bag in a clean, dry towel and apply it to your cheek, leaving it to act for about 10 to 15 minutes, 1 or 2 times a day.
3. Use toothpaste for sensitive teeth
Sensitive toothpaste, such as Sensodyne or Colgate Sensitive, can help relieve toothache, keep teeth and gums clean, and prevent plaque buildup that can lead to cavities or gingivitis.
It is recommended that toothpaste does not contain fluoride or contains only a small amount of it, as excess fluoride can reduce the absorption of minerals essential for pregnancy, which could cause complications for the baby. Therefore, the ideal is to consult the dentist so that the most suitable toothpaste can be recommended during pregnancy.
Remedies for toothache during pregnancy
In the case of toothache during pregnancy, the only recommended remedy is paracetamol, which is an analgesic indicated for pain relief. However, it is recommended to contact the obstetrician who provides prenatal care to ensure safe use and the correct dose during pregnancy. Find out how to take paracetamol during pregnancy.
It is important to highlight that paracetamol provides temporary relief from toothache, and it is important to consult the dentist so that the most appropriate treatment can be indicated, which may include cleaning, tooth restoration or tooth extraction, depending on the case.
In cases where toothache is due to an infection, the dentist may recommend the use of amoxicillin to avoid complications, such as premature birth, for example. See more about amoxicillin during pregnancy.
Bibliography
- VASCONCELOS, Rodrigo G et al. Dental care for pregnant patients: how to proceed safely. Brazilian Journal of Dentistry. Vol 69. 1 ed; 120-124, 2012
- CODATO, Lucimar A. B et al. Dental care for pregnant women: role of health professionals. Science & Public Health. Vol 16. 4 ed; 22997-2301, 2011
- DA SILVA, Mara Elaine A. Clinical Protocol for Care for Pregnant Women in Ribeirão das Neves. Specialization course completion work, 2012. Federal University of Minas Gerais.
