Know Toothache Medication During Pregnancy and How to Prevent It

Choosing a toothache medication during pregnancy is often confusing. Because, not all types of drugs are safe for consumption during pregnancy. Then what toothache medicine should be consumed by pregnant women? The wisest step is to ask for a doctor's recommendation before taking a toothache medicine while pregnant. The doctor will provide treatment and dental care that is safe and does not interfere with pregnancy and fetal health. Treatment and treatment of toothache during pregnancy will also be given according to the causes and conditions experienced.

Causes of Tooth Pain During Pregnancy

Apart from being caused by poor dental and oral hygiene patterns, for some women, pregnancy can affect the onset of teeth and gum problems. That's because there is an increase in hormones during pregnancy, which can affect the body's response to plaque / tartar. Increased hormones during pregnancy can also cause pregnant women to often feel nausea and vomiting. One of them is related to the condition of gastric acid reflux. Gastric acid that comes out through vomiting can stick to the teeth, if it occurs repeatedly it can increase the risk of tooth decay. Another cause of dental health problems during pregnancy is the habit of eating sweet foods. The desire to eat sweet foods, experienced by some pregnant women. Though foods containing sugar can increase the risk of tooth decay.

Toothache Medication During Pregnant Safe

To reduce the symptoms of toothache during pregnancy, you can take paracetamol drugs that are considered safe for pain management, including toothaches. However, it is advisable to consult with a doctor first before taking the drug, to avoid negative effects on the fetus in the womb. If you want to do treatment at home, you should be careful before taking any toothache medication. Over-the-counter medicines such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen should be avoided, because they are classified as unsafe during pregnancy. Toothache can be treated using drugs, as well as dental care measures. A study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA) says that dental treatment with local anesthesia at the dentist, is safe for pregnant women. Although dental care can be done at any time as needed, however, the best time to do dental care during pregnancy is during the second trimester, which is at 14 to 20 weeks' gestation. In the second trimester, fetal organ development is complete so that the risk of dental side effects on the fetus is lower. You may need antibiotic treatment to treat bacterial infections or prevent infections after dental care. Antibiotics that are usually given to pregnant women are amoxicillin or clindamycin. However, as long as it's not urgent, dental care should be taken after giving birth.

Preventing Tooth Pain During Pregnancy

To prevent toothaches during pregnancy, always keep your teeth and mouth clean by:

• Brushing teeth at least twice every day, especially after eating and before going to bed. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles.
• Limit consumption of sweet foods and drinks, including soft drinks.
• Choose fresh fruits to satisfy the craving for sweet foods.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Avoid mouthwashes or mouthwashes that contain alcohol.
• Quit smoking.

If you experience vomiting during pregnancy, avoid brushing your teeth immediately after vomiting, because the possibility of stomach acid is still attached to the layers of the teeth, and if brushed immediately, can scratch the layer of teeth. Rinse first with clean water, then use a mouthwash that contains fluoride and is alcohol-free. It is recommended to brush teeth at least one hour after vomiting. You should also increase your intake of calcium and vitamin D for dental health. Consuming these two nutrients can protect bone mass, besides of course to meet the nutritional needs of pregnant women and fetuses in the developing womb. Toothache medication during pregnancy must be consumed carefully and under the supervision of a doctor. Make sure the toothache medicine does not cause fetal abnormalities or disorders in the womb.