What is a safe medicine for toothache during pregnancy?
Dental problems or toothache are health problems that cause discomfort, especially during pregnancy.
However, not all toothache medicines for pregnant women are safe to consume. In fact, some pregnant women are concerned about dental procedures to treat pain.
If you are in need of toothache medicine, what pain relievers are safe for pregnant women? Let’s look at the following information regarding safe toothache medicine for pregnant women.
Causes of Toothache in Pregnant Women
Swollen or sore gums that are prone to bleeding are very common in many pregnancies. This is also called pregnancy gingivitis (inflammation of the gums).
Complications are likely to occur if not treated immediately.
Reporting from the Trucare Dentistry page , pregnant women are at higher risk of experiencing dental problems due to several causes, including:
1. Morning Sickness
First, morning sickness increases the amount of acid your mouth is exposed to, which has a detrimental effect on enamel (the outer layer of your teeth).
2. Sweet Food
Sometimes pregnant women crave sweet foods or consume more carbohydrates which can cause tooth decay.
3. Hormonal Changes
One of the factors that causes pregnant women to often have toothaches is an increase in hormones. The theory is: hormonal changes increase the possibility of plaque or tartar formation and gum swelling.
This can be caused by hormonal changes that increase blood flow to the gum tissue and make the gums more sensitive, bleed easily, and swollen.
If the toothache persists, make an appointment with your dentist to see if there is anything they can do.
The dentist may want to take dental x-rays and this is considered safe byAmerican Dental Association, as reported by the Very Well Health page .
4 Toothache Medicines for Pregnant Women
There are several choices of toothache medicine for pregnant women that you can use. However, before consuming it, you should consult a doctor first.
This is important to do so that the doctor can determine the appropriate medication for the cause of the toothache that you are experiencing.
Here are some choices of toothache medication that are relatively safe to use during pregnancy.
1. Painkillers
The doctor may give toothache medicine for pregnant women such as paracetamol . Pregnant women are allowed to use this medicine without worry.
Other forms of painkillers, such as mefenamic acid , aspirin, ibuprofen , or naproxen, should be taken under medical supervision. This is because these drugs carry a higher risk of causing a number of problems in pregnancy, including miscarriage .
2. Antiseptic Mouthwash
Doctors may prescribe antiseptic mouthwash as a toothache medicine for pregnant women.
Antiseptic mouthwash is used to stop the spread of germs in the mouth and teeth. Your doctor may recommend a mouthwash containing benzocaine to relieve severe toothache.
However, these medicines should only be used temporarily, not for a long period of time. If the pregnancy is still in the first trimester , it is better to use antiseptic mouthwashNoused.
Remember toalwaysbuy mouthwash with a prescription from a doctor.
The reason is, there is alcohol content present in some over-the-counter mouthwashes. And the alcohol in this mouthwash can hurt your teeth if you use it.
3. Antibiotics
The doctor will prescribe antibiotic medication for pregnant women for toothache if the toothache you are experiencing is caused by a bacterial infection.
Even when the symptoms of toothache have disappeared, pregnant women who are prescribed antibiotics must take them until they are finished.
Over-the-counter antibiotics are not recommended as a toothache medicine for pregnant women. This is because some types of antibiotics may have side effects that are harmful to pregnancy and the development of the fetus.
4. Topical Anesthesia
Some sources suggest topical anesthetics for toothache during pregnancy.
LaunchMedical News Today, topical anesthetics can be a powerful way to reduce toothache pain.
This medication can be a cream or gel that can help reduce pain by numbing the affected area. The way to do this is by applying it directly to the aching tooth.
Topical anesthetics often contain lidocaine or benzocaine as the active ingredient. However, topical benzocaine has been assigned to pregnancy category C by the FDA.
There are no specific studies on the effects of its use in pregnant women. Topical benzocaine is only recommended for use during pregnancy when the benefits outweigh the risks.
It should be noted that whatever the choice, the use of medical drugs to treat toothache during pregnancy should be consulted with a doctor to avoid unwanted side effects.
11 Safe Toothache Medicines for Pregnant Women from Natural Ingredients
1. Gargle with salt water
Gargling with salt water can also remove dirt that may still be left in the mouth, as well as reduce inflammation and swollen gums, and speed up the healing of wounds in the mouth.
Mom can do this very easy way:
The method is to mix ½ teaspoon of salt with a glass of warm water, then stir until the salt dissolves in the water. After that, you can gargle for 10-15 minutes, then spit the salt water out of your mouth.
2. Ice Water Compress
Another simple way to deal with toothache during pregnancy that you can do is to compress the painful area.
If the toothache you feel has made your cheeks and chin swell, it’s a good idea to compress the swelling with ice water. This method is considered effective in calming the swollen and painful parts.
However, this ice water compress is only for external use, okay, Mom.
3. Take Advantage of Turmeric
Toothache medicine for pregnant women can utilize turmeric , Mom. Because, this kitchen spice contains vitamin C which is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory.
The benefits that mothers can get are healthy gums and preventing cavities from bacterial infections.
To do this, grind the turmeric first or use turmeric powder, then gargle with warm water for a few minutes.
4. Clove Oil
Toothache medicine for pregnant women is clove oil. Apparently this one ingredient can also help us to relieve the toothache that is felt.
Mother can try applying clove oil to help cure toothache.
How to cure toothache with clove oil is to rub it around the swollen area.
5. Aloe Vera is one of the toothache medicines for pregnant women
Aloe Veraor aloe vera can be used to cure toothache.
QuotingHealthline, this plant has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. In addition, aloe vera is also rich in antioxidants.
That’s why some people use aloe vera to treat and relieve inflammation associated with gum disease and other oral problems.
The yellow liquid that flows from the cut leaves of the aloe vera plant contains chemical compounds that can relieve pain.
Additionally, this plant has six antiseptic agents that help inhibit the growth of fungi, bacteria, and viruses.
Aloe vera also contains powerful antioxidants that fight free radicals that cause cell damage.
6. Drink Milk
A glass of warm milk can also reduce pain due to bleeding and inflammation of the gums. This is because milk contains calcium and vitamin K which are very important for gum health.
However, make sure to brush your teeth twice a day as milk tends to increase plaque formation.
7. Pomegranate Can Be a Toothache Medicine for Pregnant Women
Pomegranate juice is believed to help fight plaque buildup and bacterial infections. Gargling and drinking sugar-free juice is believed to help relieve toothache.
According to a study published on the websiteNational Library of Medicine,pomegranate is effective against oral bacteria and various antimicrobial activities. However, these studies were conducted using pomegranate peel or whole pomegranate extract.
Pomegranate juice may have less impact on microorganisms that grow in the mouth.
8. Garlic
LaunchCrest,Applying garlic to the area causing toothache can significantly reduce discomfort.
Garlic is known as a natural antibiotic, killing bacteria around the infected area without any side effects.
In addition, garlic bulbs are also known as antimicrobial because they contain organosulfur compounds.
9. Baking Soda
Baking soda can actually help treat gum disease, oral health problems, and even whiten teeth.
In an article on the siteHealth Grands, baking soda is good for maintaining dental health because it can balance the acidity levels in the mouth.
The lower the pH level in our mouth, the higher the risk of tooth decay. Bacteria thrive at a lower pH of around 5.5. Baking soda has a pH of 8.3 which helps fight bacteria.
How to use it by dissolving half a teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water as a mouthwash. In addition, you can also use it when brushing your teeth.
Wet your toothbrush with water or toothpaste and dip it in baking soda. Then, brush your teeth as usual.
10. TeaPeppermint
Cold sensationpeppermintcan provide a temporary numbing effect on sore teeth or gums.
LaunchGreatist, leafmintIt is also believed to have antimicrobial properties that can help fight infections.
But consuming oilpeppermintPossibleNorecommended because it can be toxic. Instead, use loose leaf tea bags.mintwhich has been soaked in hot water then compress it on the painful area.
You can also cool it first infreezer.
11. Thyme Essential Oil
Thymecontains thymol, a compound with antiseptic and antifungal properties that can fight oral infections.
Add just a drop of essential oilthymeinto a glass of water then use it like a mouthwash. Do not apply it directly to the gums or swallow it, Mom.
Can Pregnant Women Have Dental Treatment?
Dental care can be done at any time during pregnancy under the guidance of a specialist. This is because dental care is not only safe but also recommended during pregnancy.
Generally, increased hormone levels during pregnancy cause your gums to swell , bleed, or food to get trapped between your teeth, leading to increased irritation of your gums.
Well, mouth pain and swollen gums require immediate treatment at any stage, even during pregnancy.
Dental precautions while waiting for delivery are very important to avoid oral infections such as gum disease, and even premature birth .
However, the second trimester (14-20 weeks) is the best time to undergo elective dental procedures such as fillings, root canal treatment, as reported on the Trucare Dentistry page .
Whenever you need dental care, tell your dentist about your overall health. Also, keep accurate records of your treatments and prescribed medications.
How to Prevent Toothache During Pregnancy
Just like any other disease: preventing toothache is better than treating it.
Here are some ways to prevent toothache during pregnancy:
- Brush your teeth twice a day, especially before bed.
- Use toothpaste that contains fluoride
- Limit consumption of sweet foods
- Consume fruits and vegetables
- Just drink water
- Use dental floss to clean food debris from between your teeth.
- Have regular dental checkups to prevent dental problems before they occur or get worse.
This dental problem should not be left untreated, Mom. Consult a dentist if you are experiencing sore gums during pregnancy.
Be sure to tell your dentist that you are pregnant and how far along you are in your pregnancy.
That is some information related to toothache medication that is safe for the health of pregnant women.
Mothers can immediately contact a doctor if there is any disturbing pain in the teeth and mouth.
Hopefully this article is useful, Mom.
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Republished with permission from theAsianParent Indonesia
