The safest toothache medicine for pregnant women

Toothache is definitely very annoying. Especially if it appears during pregnancy because you should not take medication carelessly. Wrong, maybe the drugs you are taking can harm the fetus, to the risk of causing a miscarriage. Then, what toothache medicine is safe for pregnant women?

The cause of pregnant women easy toothache

Quite a number of women who report frequent toothaches during pregnancy even though they never did.

Experts suspect that the increase in the hormone progesterone in the body is the cause.

Progesterone levels that are too high during pregnancy can trigger the growth of plaque-causing bacteria on the teeth. This plaque buildup can then lead to tooth decay (dental caries).

Dental caries can also be exacerbated by symptoms morning sickness.

Repeated vomiting conditions can raise stomach acid. This over time can erode the outer layer of the tooth and increase the risk of decay.

The more the decay strikes to the deepest part, your teeth will become very sensitive and eventually cavities.

If you have this, toothache that can be painful can be very difficult to avoid.

Pregnancy hormones can also cause chronic gum infections due to gingivitis (inflammation of the gums).

The Indonesian Dental Association (PDGI) calls gingivitis one of the most common infections in pregnant women.

Moreover, the immune system which tends to decrease during pregnancy also increases the risk of infection.

Choice of toothache medication that is safe for pregnant women

Toothache is annoying. In addition to making your teeth go awry, the feeling of clumsiness often makes it difficult for you to concentrate, sleep, and chew and swallow food.

Sometimes a toothache can also make you fever and not feeling well.

If you cannot stand the pain you feel, it never hurts to consult a doctor to get a recommendation for toothache medication for pregnant women.

1. Paracetamol

Instead of taking ibuprofen or even aspirin, pregnant women can take acetaminophen (paracetamol) which is safer to treat toothaches.

Paracetamol is equally effective in treating other medical conditions such as headaches, dizziness, muscle aches, and fever that accompany toothaches.

This drug is safe for pregnant women if consumed according to the rules of use or doctor's advice.

Until now, there is no clear evidence whether this toothache medication for pregnant women has a harmful effect on the fetus.

So, make it a habit to read the rules of use and the dosage first. If you are in doubt about how to measure the dosage that should be consumed, please consult directly to a doctor.

Similar to the drugs taken during your pregnancy, you should take paracetamol at the lowest dose.

2. Antibiotics

Antibiotics can also be toothache medications that are safe for pregnant women to take.

This is due to the common antibiotics doctors give during pregnancy.

Here are some types of antibiotics that are classified as safe as toothache medications for pregnant women, such as:

Penicillin
Clindamycin
Erythromycin

Antibiotics can be used to treat toothaches due to infections of the teeth and gums.

Unfortunately, the antibiotic option is only available and can be taken if the dentist prescribes it.

If an antibiotic has been prescribed, take the dose until it runs out according to the rules and the time period set by your doctor.

Avoid adding, reducing, stopping, or prolonging the dose without your doctor knowing.

Carelessly taking antibiotics can make your illness more difficult to heal. Therefore, always use antibiotics wisely.

Toothache medicine that pregnant women should avoid

If you already have a toothache, avoid rushing to buy drugs at the nearest pharmacy.

Before taking any medicine, you should first consult a doctor to ensure its safety.

Every pregnant woman who has a toothache is obliged toavoid NSAID painkillers such as aspirin and ibuprofen.

In fact, use of aspirin in pregnant women can be done only at low doses and for handling certain conditions.

Quoted from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), low doses of aspirin are given to pregnant women to treat preeclampsia and high blood pressure.

So, the use of aspirin can only be done under a doctor's supervision. Can not be purchased freely at the nearest pharmacy.

Another way to treat toothache for pregnant women

Not only taking toothache medication, there are still many other ways for pregnant women to cure toothaches at home. Some of these include:

Gargle with salt water

Gargling salt water can relieve pain and help remove plaque that is stuck or stuck between your teeth.

Interestingly, this natural toothache remedy for pregnant women has been around since ancient times.

How to make it easy, just dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of warm water.

After that, rinse your mouth for a few minutes, then remove the water. Remember, the water you used in your mouth should not be swallowed.

Ice cubes

Ice cubes can also be used as a toothache medicine that is safe for pregnant women.

The cold temperature of the ice cube can numb the nerves so you don't feel pain for a while.

The trick, take an ice cube and wrap it with a thin washcloth. Then place it directly on the cheek where the tooth hurts, let stand 5 minutes.

This method can be done repeatedly until the pain and swelling subside. However, first rest every 5 minutes.

Brush your teeth regularly

Toothbrush routine is the key to maintaining a healthy mouth and teeth. Brush your teeth every morning after waking up and at night before going to bed.

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste containing fluoride. Toothpaste withfluoride can help protect and strengthen teeth so they don't get damaged quickly.

In addition to regularly brushing your teeth, pregnant women should do it regularly flossing tooth.Flossing can help clean food debris stuck between your teeth and cannot be reached by toothbrush bristles.