Are toothaches dangerous during pregnancy? Treatment and home remedies

Toothache during pregnancy should not be ignored, as it is often a sign of inflammation that requires dental treatment. An untreated bacterial infection in the mouth can be dangerous for the foetus. Home remedies are helpful to relieve toothache during pregnancy.

Many mums-to-be wonder whether dental treatment is safe during pregnancy. The fact is that most treatments pose no risk to the health and life of the foetus and should therefore always be carried out when necessary. More harm can be done if a visit to the dentist is postponed.

Toothache and pregnancy

Toothache can occur in any trimester of pregnancy. The most common cause is damage to the tissue that protects the tooth enamel. This is particularly the case in women who suffer from persistent vomiting or gastro-oesophageal reflux – the acidic stomach contents damage the tooth enamel very quickly. A painful tooth during pregnancy can also be the result of tooth decay or inflammation. In addition to the pain, there is often swelling, hypersensitivity, pain in the ear area and difficulty eating.

Pregnant women very often complain of toothache. Under the influence of the pregnancy hormones, the teeth and gums become hypersensitive. In addition, the pH value of the saliva changes, which promotes the proliferation of bacteria and the remineralisation of tooth enamel.

Are toothaches dangerous during pregnancy?

Toothache during pregnancy is a sign that something is wrong in the mouth. An inflammation or bacterial infection in the mouth is dangerous for the developing foetus, as microorganisms from the damaged tissue can enter the bloodstream. Untreated toothache during pregnancy can contribute to a low birth weight of the baby and to a reduced labour activity of the uterus and thus to premature labour or a miscarriage.

If toothache during pregnancy is not treated, this leads to an expansion of the pathogenic processes in the dental tissue. As a result, the teeth are weakened and damaged, and the only way to cure them is to remove them.

What should be done if toothache occurs during pregnancy?

If you have toothache during pregnancy, you should visit your dentist. The specialist will assess the condition of your mouth, determine the cause of the discomfort and prescribe appropriate treatment that is safe for the duration of your pregnancy. It should be remembered that tooth extractions and root canal treatments (even under anaesthetic) can be carried out after the first trimester without putting the baby’s health at risk. On the other hand, caries can be treated throughout the pregnancy.

Painkillers for toothache during pregnancy should not be taken without consulting your doctor. Some of them (including over-the-counter ones) contain substances that affect the normal development of the foetus. In addition, some medicines can only be taken during a certain trimester. It is therefore advisable to first try home remedies for toothache during pregnancy.

How can toothache during pregnancy be relieved with home remedies?

Home remedies for toothache during pregnancy are effective in combating unpleasant discomfort, but do not eliminate the cause, so they can only be used to support the treatment prescribed by the dentist.

Home remedies for toothache during pregnancy include cold compresses. To do this, wrap ice cubes in a towel and place them on the cheek of the affected side. This can be repeated several times a day. For toothache during pregnancy, women can also try herbal rinses. An infusion of sage or camomile should be brewed and rinsed in the mouth. These herbs have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.

Toothache during pregnancy requires special hygiene. The oral cavity should be cleaned in the morning and evening and after every meal. To do this, it is advisable to use a toothbrush with suitable bristles. It is also advisable to use dental floss to clean hard-to-reach areas.