Pregnancy is a beautiful journey that a woman embarks on in her life. Nurturing a baby can be joyful and overwhelming at the same time. It is indeed a rollercoaster ride for many. Pregnancy comes with a cascade of new experiences, emotions, and some potentially unexpected and unpleasant side effects! And one common side effect for most moms-to-be is toothache during pregnancy. A toothache is a pain in and around your tooth or jaw that can vary in intensity from mild to severe. Increased bacterial accumulation and poor oral hygiene can pave the way for plaque formation, resulting in cavities.
Dental problems during pregnancy may also pose an increased risk of preterm delivery for your baby. Finding relief from toothache during pregnancy is essential for both your comfort and your baby’s overall well-being [1]. Let us explore 10 natural home remedies to get relief from toothaches during pregnancy.
Toothache During Pregnancy
Oral health is an important aspect of your overall health and well-being. And during pregnancy, it is an essential part of your prenatal care. Being pregnant can increase your oral health problems, which in turn can affect your pregnancy. Toothache is one such common problem often experienced during pregnancy, be it in any trimester! It is essential to figure out the root cause of your pain and discomfort and seek proper management remedies.
3 Common Causes of Toothaches During Pregnancy
There could be several causes attributed to the development of toothache during pregnancy, which include:
Hormonal Imbalance
As pregnancy progresses, your hormones can wreak havoc on your oral and general health. Elevated levels of progesterone during pregnancy can soften your gums and increase the blood supply to them. This results in excess gum bleeding when you brush or floss your teeth. Hormonal changes can pave the way for excess bacterial and plaque buildup.
Diet Changes
Crazy food cravings during pregnancy can increase your sugar intake. Sugar may combine with the bacteria present in your mouth, releasing harmful toxins and by-products. These by-products lead to demineralization of the tooth enamel, causing cavities. Furthermore, the saliva in your mouth may not be able to flush out the sugar content, making you more susceptible to gum disease.
Blood Volume
During pregnancy, there is an increase in the blood volume by 30% to 50%, which is one of the prime reasons your gums may be red, puffy, or easily bleed [2]. When blood volume increases, the arteries and veins within your gum tissues may expand, resulting in high pressure within them. As a result, the tiny blood vessels within your gums can easily be damaged, causing gingival bleeding.
10 Natural Home Remedies To Get Relief From Toothache During Pregnancy
Taking medications for toothaches during pregnancy can affect the growing baby. Therefore, the safest and most effective solution could be natural remedies, since they do not pose any complications. However, remember to consult your doctor before trying the below-mentioned natural remedies to get relief from a toothache during pregnancy.
1. Saltwater
Most often, a saltwater rinse is an effective first-line treatment for toothaches during pregnancy. Salt is a natural disinfectant and possesses antimicrobial properties that can loosen food particles and flush out bacteria from your mouth. It also reduces inflammation and accelerates healing. Mix salt with lukewarm water and rinse your mouth at least 2 to 3 times a day.
2. Clove
Clove or its oil can work wonders for tooth problems since it is a natural antiseptic. Soak a cotton ball in clove oil and place it over the affected area [3].
3. Pomegranate
Pomegranate is known to have excellent antibacterial properties to help fight dental plaque. Take 30 ml of pomegranate juice and rinse your mouth every day to reduce dental plaque-forming bacteria by 30% [4].
4. Aloe vera
This is an ancient home remedy for toothache since it has powerful antibacterial, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties. It is available in the form of juices, mouthwashes, gels, and toothpaste that offer you a variety of options to use that suit you best [5].
5. Tea tree oil
This is one of the most renowned and reliable treatments for dental problems due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It is the most popular choice to address teeth and gum problems since it reduces infection and inflammation. Add 4 to 5 drops of this oil to around 90 ml of water and rinse your mouth every day.
6. Baking soda
This is a commonly found ingredient in your kitchen that acts as an excellent acid neutralizer. Dab your wet brush with a little baking soda powder and brush your teeth with it. Alternatively, you can also mix baking soda with your toothpaste and brush your teeth. But the most highly recommended method is to mix baking soda in water and rinse or brush with it. Do this 2 to 3 times daily after meals for the best results.
7. Neem leaves
Neem leaves have been used for centuries to treat irritated and inflamed gums, especially in pregnant women. The leaves possess antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that prevent plaque buildup. You can chew neem leaves after a meal, or you can use a neem mouthwash to rinse your mouth [6].
8. Turmeric
The presence of curcumin in turmeric makes it highly effective against infections and inflammation. You can mix 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder with ½ teaspoon of mustard oil and salt to form a paste. Massage this paste on your gums and teeth at least twice a day.
9. Garlic
Garlic contains allicin, which is an excellent antibacterial ingredient to provide soothing relief from pain. But remember to avoid direct contact with your gums to avoid worsening your symptoms. Instead, crush garlic, wrap it in cotton, and hold it gently between your teeth.
10. Peppermint
Peppermint leaves have powerful pain-relieving qualities and also have immediate mood-lifting effects. Boil mint leaves to make peppermint tea, and gargle and rinse your mouth [7].
When To See The Dentist for Toothaches During Pregnancy
If you do not get relief from toothache even after trying natural remedies, then it is time you seek dental care. Schedule your appointment before your symptoms worsen. Aggravated toothaches can be debilitating since they lead to excruciating pain, negatively impacting your quality of life. Do not suffer silently! It is better to detect something early than wait for months and suffer more from it. Toothaches should not be ignored, no matter what stage you are in!
Conclusion
It is common for dental issues to pop up during pregnancy, but the good news is that they are short-lived and improve after you deliver your baby. Natural home remedies can be your savior to help you sail through toothaches during pregnancy. However, schedule regular dental checkups during pregnancy to prevent your toothache from getting worse.
FAQ’s
1. What Helps a Toothache Naturally During Pregnancy?
There are several natural remedies that nature provides to relieve toothaches during pregnancy. These include a warm salt water rinse, pomegranate or aloe vera juice rinse, or mouthwash. You can also place cotton dipped in clove oil, tea tree oil, or baking soda.
2. What Can a Pregnant Woman Drink For Toothache?
A pregnant woman can deal with a toothache by drinking warm milk, which increases calcium absorption and reduces inflammation and gum bleeding. Also, drinking sugar-free pomegranate juice can help fight tooth decay since it can reduce disease-causing bacteria by 30%.
3. Can I Remove a Tooth While Pregnant?
If you are experiencing an excruciating toothache, that does not subside by natural home remedies, and if the tooth is severely decayed, it is advisable to get the tooth removed even during pregnancy.
References
- Oral care in pregnancy – [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6883753/ ]
- Dental care during pregnancy – [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2694079/ ]
- Management of pregnant patients in dentistry – [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3768073/]
- Traditional medicinal plant extracts and natural products with activity against oral bacteria: Potential application in the prevention and treatment of oral diseases – [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3145422/ ]
- Benefits of aloe vera in dentistry – [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4439686/ ]
- Beneficial effects of specific natural substances on oral health – [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5787627/ ]
- Emerging trends of herbal care in dentistry – [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3782986/]
