Using toothache medicine during pregnancy cannot be done carelessly. This is because every drug consumed by pregnant women can affect the condition of pregnancy and the fetus. To determine the right toothache medicine, it is necessary to know in advance what causes toothache experienced by pregnant women.
Toothache during pregnancy will certainly cause discomfort and even interfere with activities. Toothache medicine is one of the choices for pregnant women to overcome the pain experienced.
However, pregnant women need to be more careful, because any food, drink, or medicine that enters the pregnant woman's body can affect the condition of the fetus in the womb.
The wisest step to deal with complaints of toothache during pregnancy is to ask for a doctor's recommendation before taking toothache medicine during pregnancy. The doctor will provide treatment and dental care that is safe and does not interfere with pregnancy and the health of the fetus.
Treatment and treatment of toothache during pregnancy of course also given by a doctor in accordance with the causes and conditions experienced.
Causes of Toothache During Pregnancy
The following are a number of factors that can be the cause of toothache during pregnancy:
Poor oral and dental hygiene
One of the most common causes of toothache is poor dental hygiene. Infrequent brushing and flossing of teeth allow germs in the teeth and mouth to multiply, thereby damaging the teeth and causing tooth pain.
Hormonal changes
The increase in hormones during pregnancy is one of the reasons why pregnant women can often experience toothaches. This is because hormonal changes are thought to increase the risk of plaque or tartar formation and swelling of the gums.
In addition, the increase in hormones during pregnancy can also cause pregnant women to often feel nausea and vomiting. This makes the stomach acid that comes out when vomiting can damage the protective layer or tooth enamel and make teeth more sensitive and easy to hurt or hurt.
Eat a lot of sweet food
Another cause of dental health problems during pregnancy is the habit of eating sweet foods. Foods that contain sugar can increase the production of acid in the mouth. Over time, the increased acid can damage your teeth and make them sore.
Choice Toothache medicine that is safe for pregnant women
There are many choices of toothache medicine during pregnancy that pregnant women can use. However, before using it, pregnant women should consult a doctor first. This is important so that the doctor can determine the cause of the toothache that pregnant women experience and provide appropriate treatment according to the cause.
After the cause of the toothache experienced by pregnant women is known, the doctor can provide several options for toothache drugs that are safe to use during pregnancy:
1. Painkillers
To relieve symptoms of pain in the teeth, doctors can prescribe pain relievers, such as paracetamol. This drug is considered safe for use by pregnant women.
Meanwhile, other types of pain relievers, such as mefenamic acid, aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen probably should not be consumed because it is more at risk of causing a number of problems in pregnancy, including miscarriage.
2. Antiseptic mouthwash
In addition to prescribing pain relievers, doctors can also prescribe antiseptic mouthwashes to prevent the growth of germs in the teeth and mouth. To treat severe tooth pain, your doctor may be able to prescribe a mouthwash containing benzocaine.
However, the use of these drugs may only be used for a few days and not for the long term. The drug may also be less safe to use, if the gestational age is still in the first trimester.
The thing to remember, avoid buying mouthwash without a doctor's prescription. Many over-the-counter mouthwashes contain alcohol. If used, the alcohol in mouthwash can make the pain you experience worse.
3. Antibiotics
The doctor will prescribe antibiotics if the toothache you are experiencing is caused by a bacterial infection. If antibiotics are prescribed, pregnant women need to take them until they run out even though the symptoms of toothache have subsided.
Avoid using antibiotics as a toothache medicine during pregnancy without a doctor's recommendation or prescription. This is because some types of antibiotics are at risk of causing side effects that are harmful to pregnancy and the fetus.
4. Gargle salt water
Salt water is a natural disinfectant. Besides being able to relieve toothache, gargling with salt water can also remove dirt that may still remain in the mouth, relieve inflammation and swelling of the gums, and speed up the healing of wounds in the mouth.
This method is also very easy to do. Pregnant women only need to mix teaspoon of salt with a glass of warm water, then stir until the salt dissolves in the water. After that, pregnant women can gargle for 10-15 minutes, then remove the salt water from the mouth.
Various ways Preventing Toothache During Pregnancy
To prevent toothache during pregnancy, pregnant women need to always maintain dental and oral hygiene in the following ways:
- Brush your teeth at least 2 times a day, especially after eating and before going to bed, and choose a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Limit consumption of sugary foods and drinks, including soft drinks.
- Drink lots of water and eat fruits and vegetables.
- Avoid mouthwash or mouthwash containing alcohol.
- Stay away from cigarettes and secondhand smoke.
If you experience vomiting during pregnancy, avoid brushing your teeth immediately because stomach acid may still stick to the lining of your teeth. If brushed immediately, stomach acid that sticks to the teeth can damage the teeth.
Gargle first with clean water, then use mouthwash which contain fluoride and alcohol free. It is recommended to brush your teeth at least 1 hour after vomiting.
The use of toothache medication during pregnancy should be used with caution and under the supervision of a doctor. Therefore, if pregnant women experience toothache, do not take drugs carelessly. Check with your dentist to get a toothache medicine that is safe and according to the cause.
You can use the appointment reminder feature with a doctor through the Pregnancy+ application. Not only that, you can also monitor the condition of pregnancy and fetal development through this application.