Sensitive Teeth In Pregnancy: What To Do About Sore Gums And Toothache
Having sensitive teeth in pregnancy is not usually the first symptom that comes to mind with pregnancy discomforts. You might expect a sore back and hips and swollen feet while pregnant, but what about the effects on your teeth?
If you have increased tooth pain while pregnant, dont worry, you arent alone. Many women get both sensitive teeth and sore, bleeding gums while they are pregnant. This article will discuss the reasons this can happen, and answer the following questions:
- Is it normal to have a toothache in pregnancy?
- Why are teeth sensitive during pregnancy?
- What can you do about it?
Your body goes through numerous changes when you are pregnant, and with that comes discomfort. Pregnancy is also a beautiful and natural time of your life, so by making small adjustments you can make it more bearable.
Lets look at what might be causing sensitive teeth during pregnancy.
When To See A Dentist
Its scientifically proven that gum disease in pregnant women can raise their risk of going into labor prematurely.
Depending on what stage of pregnancy youre in and how severe your oral infection is your dentist may want to communicate with your OBGYN directly. As the two co-plan your care, you can feel confident knowing youre well looked after and that its safe to proceed with dental treatment.
Toothache While Pregnant: What You Need To Know
When youre pregnant, your hormones change your body, and how you react even to the most regular daily routine, you can imagine. Toothache while pregnant is one of those changes as many women become sensitive and easily developed gingivitis.
As crazy as it might sounds, a toothache can cause harm to your child especially if the inflammation is left untreated. It is, therefore, important to take care of your oral health by practicing better dental care.
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What Are The Causes Of Toothaches
Toothaches can be caused by something happening to your teeth or gums. They also can be caused by pain in other parts of your body. Common causes of toothaches include:
- Mouth or jaw injury. These can occur from blunt force trauma to the facial area.
- Sinus infection. Drainage from sinus infections may cause tooth pain.
- Tooth decay. When bacteria causes tooth decay, the nerves in your teeth may be exposed, causing pain.
- Losing a filling. If you lose a filling, the nerve inside the tooth may be exposed.
- Abscessed or infected tooth. Sometimes called a dental abscess, this condition is described as a pocket of pus in the tooth.
- Food or other debris wedged in your teeth. Organic and inorganic matter wedged in your teeth can cause pressure between the teeth.
- Teething or wisdom teeth crowning. If you have wisdom teethHow to deal with Wisdom teeth? coming in, as well as breaking through the gums, they may be pressing against other teeth.
- Temporomandibular joint disorders. TMJ is classified as pain in your jaw joint, but can also affect your teeth.
- Gum disease. Gum diseases such as gingivitis or periodontal disease can cause toothaches or pain.
- Grinding. You may grind or clench your teeth at night which can cause additional pain.
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Look Out For Gum Disease And Other Conditions
Beyond tooth decay and toothaches, expecting mothers might experience other oral ailments. These issues can result from not stepping up your oral health care routine or from increased hormones. Whatever the cause, be aware of them so you can consult your dentist as soon as possible.
Gum Disease and Pregnancy Gingivitis: It’s not unusual for an expectant mother to experience bleeding gums when brushing or flossing. Hormonal changes that come along with pregnancy can cause inflammation, sometimes called pregnancy gingivitis.
To keep this condition from developing into more serious gum disease, follow the enhanced home care routine we presented. Your dentist may recommend more frequent cleanings to prevent your sensitive gums from becoming more irritated.
Pregnancy “Tumors” on Gums: Occasionally, in the second trimester, a raw-looking swelling of gum tissue grows between the teeth. These so-called benign pregnancy “tumors” bleed easily and might result from excessive plaque.
If you think you’ve developed one of these “tumors,” check in with your dental professionals. But take heart: They usually go away after improved oral hygiene and the baby is born.
Loose Teeth: This is another not-so-common complication of pregnancy. Loose teeth can result even in the absence of gum disease due to hormones affecting the ligaments that hold your teeth in the bone. If you notice any new tooth mobility, see your dentist immediately.
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Treat Dental Problems As Soon As Possible
If theres a small cavity or youre developing signs of gum disease, do not wait until after pregnancy to treat them You dont want those oral bacteria spreading into adjacent teeth or through your bloodstream. Plus, its easier to catch up on your dental care now than it is to juggle appointments with a newborn!
How Much Does It Cost To Treat Toothache
The price of treating toothache varies depending on what is causing the pain. Toothache can be a symptom of something serious, so it is recommended that you see a dentist to check it out. Your dentist will be able to diagnose the cause and advise you about the cost of treatment. When you book online for toothache, simply select an appointment for toothache or emergency.
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Salt Water Or Saline Solution Rinse
Often times there are some home remedies that are the simplest and most effective. Using a salt water or saline solution rinse is one of the simplest solutions for toothache pain while pregnant. These solutions help to control the levels of bacteria in your mouth which tend to lead to inflammation as well as help to dislodge and get rid of food particles and debris in your mouth.
Minimizing Tooth Pain During Pregnancy
The easiest ways to mitigate discomfort in your smile during pregnancy is to take these proactive measures:
- Ensure that you brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day.
- Rinse your mouth with one teaspoon of baking soda mixed into a glass of water after you get sick.
- Dont skip your dental checkup because of your pregnancy because its important for your oral and overall health.
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Can We Do Everything And At Any Time
It depends on your pregnancy stage and the kind of intervention you will need to have.
During the first trimester of pregnancy, the risk of miscarriage is higher. It is better to do only emergency procedures: treat a cavity, an infection, In short, act only to reduce stress, pain, and control potential infectious risks.
Between the 3rd and 6th month, there are many things you can do, including treatment to control infectious or painful pathologies that are progressing or likely to progress. Then you need to do an assessment to see if it is better to wait until after delivery for more complex interventions.
At the end of pregnancy, as in the beginning, only emergency treatments that provide relief are performed. Women feel discomfort due to weight gain, their movements are limited, and the risk of childbirth increases as the term approaches.
The second trimester is therefore considered the safest and most recommended time to receive dental treatment.
Latest Oral Health News
Generally, home remedies are only effective as a temporary measure to calm severe tooth pain and are not intended to cure the problem. How does one try to get instant relief without the aid of a dental professional? Oral pain medication will be a key step. Over-the-counter pain medicines such as ibuprofen or naproxen are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and are best taken on a schedule to provide pain relief. Acetaminophen is an alternative painkiller. In some cases, alternating doses of ibuprofen and acetaminophen is effective.
The essential oil, clove oil, is a toothache remedy that is actually an ingredient in some sedative dental filling materials. It is a natural home remedy that has a numbing effect and can provide instant relief. Clove oil can be found at the pharmacy. Small amounts of clove oil should be used to the affected area. Dilute a few drops in a teaspoon of olive oil to avoid burning the mouth tissue. Before application of the diluted clove oil, rinse the mouth thoroughly with warm salt water or warm water to clear any debris from the affected area. Then, place a small cotton ball soaked with a few drops of the diluted clove oil on the tooth or gum area. Allow a few minutes after application for the numbing effect to take place. Other products that contain benzocaine can temporarily numb the affected tooth or gums and provide pain relief as well. If clove oil is not available, plain olive oil can also provide some relief by coating a painful area.
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Should You Treat Toothache During Pregnancy
Most pregnant women are worried about having their teeth treated during pregnancy. However, doctors and dentists still recommend having any dental problems treated during pregnancy, with some precautions using x-rays and taking medication for toothache pain relief.
- X-Rays During Pregnancy
Many women are concerned about getting any kind of x-ray during pregnancyeven dental x-rays. If you have a toothache during pregnancy, the dentist will try to take care of the problem without doing x-rays if this is possible. If it is necessary to do x-rays to take care of the problem, the dentist will ask you to wear a lead apron and a lead covering over your thyroid gland so that the x-rays do not get to these areas. The x-rays can then be safely done and the dentist will have more information available to help treat your dental problem.
- Medications During Pregnancy
There are a variety of medications available for toothache pain, some of which are not appropriate to be used in pregnancy. For example, research has indicated that taking Percocet or oxycodone during pregnancy can result in unwanted birth defects. Because of issues like this, it is important to tell the dentist that you are pregnant so that safe medications in pregnancy, such as acetaminophen can be used instead. Antibiotics may also be required. Some antibiotics, like penicillin, are safe to take in pregnancy and will be prescribed for you for the management of infections that need antibiotics during pregnancy.
Sore Gums And Teeth Problems During Pregnancy
Swollen or sore gums that are susceptible to bleeding are very common in many pregnancies. It is also called pregnancy gingivitis . It can be caused by the changes in hormones that increase the blood flow to the gum tissue and makes gums more sensitive, irritable, and swollen.
This dental problem should not be left untreated. Consult your dentist if you are facing sore gums during pregnancy. Waiting for treatment may create severe complications. Teeth problems may arise at any stage of life due to various reasons such as poor oral hygiene, excessive consumption of sugary drinks, unhealthy diet, etc.
But, pregnant women are at a higher risk of creating dental problems due to several reasons. First, morning sickness increases the amount of acid your mouth exposes to, revealing adverse effects on the enamel . Second, sometimes, pregnant ladies crave sweets or consume more carbohydrates which can cause tooth decay.
So, to prevent dental or teeth problems during pregnancy, maintain good oral hygiene. Brush twice a day, especially do not forget to brush your teeth before going to bed. And have a regular dental check-up to prevent dental problems before they occur or get worse.
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Oral Health During Pregnancy
Whether youre pregnant or not, proper daily oral health is essential for the prevention of dental issues and the maintenance of a beautiful smile. As mentioned above, since pregnancy can render the mouth sensitive, it might be a good idea to be a little gentler around the area.Oral Hygiene Tips for Pregnant Women
- Continue brushing your teeth and gums twice daily and flossing and rinsing your mouth once daily.
- Schedule your biannual dentist appointment as you normally would.
- Opt for sensitivity toothpaste, home remedies like clove oil for temporary pain relief if you experience painful inflammation.
- See your dentist for routine dental health care, and postpone cosmetic work until you are no longer pregnant if possible.
- Try to visit your dentist during your first or second trimester to avoid back pain from occurring in your third trimester.
- Smile often during your pregnancy to encourage positive growth in you and your child!
The main takeaway here is to feel comfortable about visiting the dentist while youre pregnant. Your dentist is a trained professional who will work to eliminate as much stress as possible during your procedure. Rest assured that you and your baby are safe and sound in a dentist chair.
What Happens When You Have Dental Problems During Pregnancy
Having a toothache during pregnancy or gum disease is bad news for you and your child. In fact, research links gum disease with low birth weight or premature birth. Preemies are at risk of various health issues including eyesight problems and cerebral palsy.
There have also been studies that 18 in every 100 premature child births may be due to periodontal disease. Thus, it only makes sense that you seek dental treatment to minimize the risk of low birth weight or premature birth.
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How Can You Prevent Dental Problems During Pregnancy
Get regular dental checkups before and during pregnancy. At your checkups, tell your dentist:
- If youre pregnant or planning to get pregnant
- About any medicine you take. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, supplements and herbal products. Prescription medicine is medicine that your health care provider says you can take to treat a health condition. You need a prescription to get the medicine. Over-the-counter medicine is medicine, like pain relievers and cough syrup, you can buy without a prescription. A supplement is a product you take to make up for certain nutrients that you dont get enough of in the foods you eat. An herbal product, like a pill or tea, thats made from herbs .
- If your pregnancy is high-risk. High-risk means that you, your baby or both of you are at increased risk for problems during pregnancy. Your pregnancy may be high-risk if you have a chronic health condition, you have complications from a previous pregnancy or you have other conditions that can harm your health or the health of your baby.
- If your prenatal care provider has talked to you about your oral health
Dental checkups before and during pregnancy are important so your dentist can find and treat dental problems early. And regular teeth cleanings help keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Keeping Your Tooth Healthy
It would be best if you take it into mind that you should care for your pearly whites before, during and after pregnancy despite any hormonal changes. It will complicate you less in the future. And in case it hurts so badly, visit your dentist and talk how the two of you should handle the problem if youre too scared of dental radiation rays.
Moreover, toothache while pregnant though can be prevented with homemade techniques that can soothe the pain. So, if in the middle of the night youre awake with pain, remember our simple remedies to help you get through the experience.
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Preventing Toothaches During Pregnancy
Here are steps to take to prevent toothaches during pregnancy:
- Consume a wide range of healthy diets, including nuts, fruits, green leafy veggies, milk, and dairy products. Also, take food rich in iron, calcium, vitamin D3, and other essential nudities, as expectant women need more nutrients.
- Maintain a frequent oral hygiene routine. Brush twice daily using fluoride toothpaste and with proper brushing techniques. Also, you can floss to get rid of debris from your teeth.
- Avoid soft and sugary drinks. If you have to take them, use a straw to prevent teeth from getting into direct contact with the drink.
- Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater if you suspect dental problems. It will provide some relief from pain and swelling.
- Take a lot of water to stay hydrated. Also, the fluoride in tap water prevents tooth decay and strengthens teeth.
- Always speak to your doctor before taking any over-the-counter drugs during pregnancy. Always seek advice from a medical professional. We are not medical professionals.
What Are The Causes Of Teeth Pain During Pregnancy
Most pregnant women anticipate some discomfort throughout their pregnancy.
Everyone has heard stories about awful morning sickness, and its no secret that pregnancy brings swollen feet, back pain, fatigue, and brain fog.
But when it comes to teeth pain or sensitivity, this pregnancy problem can catch you off guard. Yet, dental issues during pregnancy are more common than some people realize.
The body goes through many changes during pregnancy you can thank hormonal shifts for this. The same way an increase in estrogen and progesterone may be responsible for symptoms like vomiting and nausea, these changes can also make you vulnerable to dental plaque.
This buildup of plaque can be the root cause of bleeding gums and inflammation, a condition known as pregnancy gingivitis. It affects up to 75 percent of pregnant women, so if you have it, youre not alone.
And depending on the severity of pregnancy gingivitis, you may develop periodontal disease. This is a serious gum infection that destroys the bones supporting your teeth, leading to tooth loss.
Some women also develop pregnancy tumors, also caused by too much plaque. Dont worry these sound scary, but theyre noncancerous growths on the gums.
Of course, cancerous or not, this overgrowth of tissues can cause tenderness and pain, making it difficult to eat or drink. The good news is that these tumors usually disappear after giving birth.
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