Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCausesAt-Home TreatmentPreventionTalk With Your DentistFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Causes
At-Home Treatment
Prevention
Talk With Your Dentist
Frequently Asked Questions
Tooth neglect can lead to gum infections, which can causepreeclampsia(a dangerous form ofhigh blood pressurethat can happen after 20 weeks of pregnancy), as well aspreterm birthand low birth weight.
This article will outline some of the causes of tooth pain during pregnancy, remedies to try at home to treat the symptoms, and when to seek medical
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Hormonal changes and imbalances, diet changes, and sensitive gums are all causes of toothaches during pregnancy.
Hormonal Imbalances
Your hormones, especiallyestrogen, rise throughout pregnancy, which can causenauseaand vomiting.
Vomiting can be dangerous to your teeth because it causes the acid from your stomach to back up into your mouth. This can lead to erosion oftooth enamel. Rinsing with water after getting sick can help offset tooth damage.
Other Symptoms of PregnancySymptoms of early pregnancy can include:Breast changes like itching and a feeling of fullnessDizzinessFatigueMissed periodNauseaSpottingandcramping
Other Symptoms of Pregnancy
Symptoms of early pregnancy can include:Breast changes like itching and a feeling of fullnessDizzinessFatigueMissed periodNauseaSpottingandcramping
Symptoms of early pregnancy can include:
Diet Changes
During pregnancy, your taste preferences may change. Foods you may crave, like sugary juices, sodas, or ice cream, can affect your oral health and lead to unintended cavities.
Instead of avoiding the things you crave, try drinking a glass of water and brushing your teeth after enjoying them (in limited quantities)
Sensitive Gums
Do you notice your gums are puffy, red, and bleeding more than usual? Your blood volume increases during pregnancy. This could be one reason for more blood when you brush.
Try using a toothbrush with a soft bristle and take care when using dental floss.
You may also have plaque buildup fromgingivitis, according to the American Dental Association (ADA). Your dental hygienist may recommend more frequent cleanings until it subsides.
Pregnancy GingivitisThis is a common condition during pregnancy. Symptoms include swollen, red, and bleeding gums.
Pregnancy Gingivitis
This is a common condition during pregnancy. Symptoms include swollen, red, and bleeding gums.
What Happens Each Week During Pregnancy?
There are some treatments you can safely handle at home, like water rinses to help clean your teeth and keep them free of bacteria.
Baking Soda and Water Rinse
Nausea and vomiting are common during the first trimester, and these symptoms may go away and return periodically. To protect the enamel of your teeth from the acid in the bile from your stomach, try swishing with warm water andbaking sodaafter vomiting.
Saltwater Rinse
Try a warmsaltwater rinseto soothe a toothache. The Cleveland Clinic recommends using about one-half teaspoon of salt stirred into a glass of warm water several times per day.
Apply Cold Press
Apply a cold press for 20-minute periods throughout the day, or drink ice water to reduce inflammation that leads to tooth pain. If you’re bleeding, the cold will slow that down too.
Tooth Pain Is Temporary
What You Need to Know About Pregnancy
Tooth decay is one of the causes of toothaches, so the best treatment is prevention. Eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables can help keep a mouth and body healthy.
Keep up with regular dental cleanings. At home, brush and floss after meals and before bed. Try afluoridemouthwash to rinse your mouth after brushing and flossing. Also, drink plain water throughout the day to help keep bacteria at bay.
What Can Cause Bleeding During Pregnancy?
Be sure to tell your dentist that you’re pregnant and how far along in the pregnancy you are.
Unsafe Procedures
“I’m Pregnant. Is This Headache Serious?”
Summary
Pregnancy causes a lot of changes in your body and mouth. Tooth pain can occur from hormonal imbalances, changes in diet, and gum sensitivity. Getting your teeth cleaned regularly can help offset tooth decay and should be maintained during pregnancy. Home remedies such as mouthwashes and saltwater rinses can help with the discomfort you may experience.
A Word From Verywell
Frequently Asked QuestionsYes, it could be. Hormonal changes may cause sore gums and tooth pain. If you’re experiencing this symptom, consider taking a pregnancy test.Consult your physician before taking any medication. Antibiotics that are considered safe in the short term include:PenicillinAmoxicillinKeflex (cephalosporins)Cleocin (clindamycin)Chloromycetin (chloramphenicol)Cipro (ciprofloxacin)Vibramycin (doxycycline)levofloxacinRifadin (rifampin)Try a cold pack for 20-minute periods. Try drinking ice water throughout the day.No. If your tooth feels lose, contact your dentist right away.
Yes, it could be. Hormonal changes may cause sore gums and tooth pain. If you’re experiencing this symptom, consider taking a pregnancy test.
Consult your physician before taking any medication. Antibiotics that are considered safe in the short term include:PenicillinAmoxicillinKeflex (cephalosporins)Cleocin (clindamycin)Chloromycetin (chloramphenicol)Cipro (ciprofloxacin)Vibramycin (doxycycline)levofloxacinRifadin (rifampin)
Consult your physician before taking any medication. Antibiotics that are considered safe in the short term include:
Try a cold pack for 20-minute periods. Try drinking ice water throughout the day.
No. If your tooth feels lose, contact your dentist right away.
9 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Association of Orthodontists.Should I floss or brush first?Daalderop LA, Wieland BV, Tomsin K, et al.Periodontal Disease and Pregnancy Outcomes: Overview of Systematic Reviews.JDR Clin Trans Res. 2018 Jan;3(1):10-27. doi: 10.1177/2380084417731097Circulation.Cardiovascular Physiology of Pregnancy.American Dental Association.Pregnancy.American Dental Hygiene Association.Now you’re brushing for two.Cleveland Clinic.Toothache.Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health.Vegetables and fruits.American Dental Association.Pregnancy.American Family Physician.Antibiotic use during pregnancy and lactation.
9 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Association of Orthodontists.Should I floss or brush first?Daalderop LA, Wieland BV, Tomsin K, et al.Periodontal Disease and Pregnancy Outcomes: Overview of Systematic Reviews.JDR Clin Trans Res. 2018 Jan;3(1):10-27. doi: 10.1177/2380084417731097Circulation.Cardiovascular Physiology of Pregnancy.American Dental Association.Pregnancy.American Dental Hygiene Association.Now you’re brushing for two.Cleveland Clinic.Toothache.Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health.Vegetables and fruits.American Dental Association.Pregnancy.American Family Physician.Antibiotic use during pregnancy and lactation.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Association of Orthodontists.Should I floss or brush first?Daalderop LA, Wieland BV, Tomsin K, et al.Periodontal Disease and Pregnancy Outcomes: Overview of Systematic Reviews.JDR Clin Trans Res. 2018 Jan;3(1):10-27. doi: 10.1177/2380084417731097Circulation.Cardiovascular Physiology of Pregnancy.American Dental Association.Pregnancy.American Dental Hygiene Association.Now you’re brushing for two.Cleveland Clinic.Toothache.Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health.Vegetables and fruits.American Dental Association.Pregnancy.American Family Physician.Antibiotic use during pregnancy and lactation.
American Association of Orthodontists.Should I floss or brush first?
Daalderop LA, Wieland BV, Tomsin K, et al.Periodontal Disease and Pregnancy Outcomes: Overview of Systematic Reviews.JDR Clin Trans Res. 2018 Jan;3(1):10-27. doi: 10.1177/2380084417731097
Circulation.Cardiovascular Physiology of Pregnancy.
American Dental Association.Pregnancy.
American Dental Hygiene Association.Now you’re brushing for two.
Cleveland Clinic.Toothache.
Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health.Vegetables and fruits.
American Family Physician.Antibiotic use during pregnancy and lactation.
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