What to do if you Experience a Toothache When Pregnant
Dental problems can occur during pregnancy as the change in bodily hormones can affect your gums and your teeth. Things like vomiting and a change in diet can impact your oral hygiene and many forget to take care of this part of the body whilst pregnant. You are, of course, less likely to experience unbearable tooth pain while pregnant if you take extra care of your oral hygiene before pregnancy. This means brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing once a day, eating a healthy diet with limited sugar and avoiding tobacco products. It is important to have a local dentist that you can trust throughout your pregnancy, so give us a call at Northern Beaches Dental Practice in Frenchs Forest, NSW for a safe, caring dental practitioner.
Common Causes for Unbearable Tooth Pain While Pregnant
There are a few common causes for a toothache in pregnancy, and these include:
- Vomiting: most experience morning sickness and vomiting throughout the day. This is often unavoidable but frequent vomiting causes stomach acids to slowly damage your teeth and gums. Dental problems can be avoided with extra care in oral hygiene.
- Sugary Foods: food cravings and changes in diet are often unavoidable when it comes to pregnancy. Foods high in sugar can also eat away at the natural enamel of your teeth and worsen dental problems that may already be there. Watch what you’re eating and pay extra care to your dental hygiene.
- Gum Problems: the hormonal change during pregnancy can sometimes increase the risk of gingivitis, periodontal disease and pregnancy epulis. Many of these issues subside after pregnancy, however, a bad case can linger in the mouth well after pregnancy or even result in birth risks for the child. This is why it is important to already have a dentist you can trust whilst pregnant and always check with them if you experience any abnormal dental side effects.
Is it Safe to See a Dentist for a Toothache in Pregnancy?
You should always ensure you have a local dental practitioner whom you can trust before embarking on the journey of pregnancy. It is entirely safe to see a dentist while pregnant and it is often necessary. They can give you tips and tricks for the proper dental hygiene practices whilst pregnant. An example of this is using a soft toddler’s toothbrush if you are gagging whilst brushing your teeth or having adverse reactions to your toothpaste.
Visit Northern Beaches Dental Practice
For a local dental practice in Sydney or French Forest, New South Wales, feel free to make an appointment with Northern Beaches Dental. We can help you with dentistry during your pregnancy and provide experienced, professional dental care for the whole family. Call us today 02 9190 6925 or book an appointment online now.