Toothaches are a common occurrence during pregnancy due to the many changes in health that a woman experiences. Toothaches are commonly caused by an infection. Treating a toothache during a pregnancy can be difficult because of the restrictions on what medications can be taken. In most cases, pregnant women must rely on home remedies to treat a toothache.
Brush and Floss
Sometimes toothaches can be caused when food particles become lodged between teeth or gums. As a first line of defense, brushing regularly and flossing daily is important to keeping teeth and gums clean and healthy. Flossing between the teeth can help remove food that may be lodged between them. Patients should brush teeth softly to prevent causing further damage to the gums or spreading any bacteria.
Salt Water
Gargling with salt water is a way to reduce inflammation and remove bacteria. Patients can make a salt water solution for gargling by adding 2 tbsp. of salt to 1/2 cup of warm water. Water should be as warm as possible but not hot. Patients should gargle for at least 30 seconds. If the site of the pain or infection is known, swish the salt water around, concentrating on that area to help reduce inflammation. Gargling with salt water can be repeated as often as necessary until symptoms subside.
Warm Compress
Some patients find relief by applying a warm compress to the side of the face closest to the site of the pain. Toothaches or gum pain often cause nerve inflammation, which manifests as a throbbing sensation. The warm compress can help calm this throbbing and sometimes the painful sensation. A warm compress can be made by saturating a clean towel with warm water. Some patients place the towel in the microwave to warm it, but ensure that it is warm, not hot, before applying it to the face. Place the warm compress on the affected area for 10 to 15 minutes or until the towel cools. This can be repeated as often as necessary until symptoms subside.
Tea Rinses
Tea rinses are a natural method for reducing toothache pain and eliminating the bacteria that may be causing it. Patients can use sage or peppermint leaves to make a tea rinse by placing the leaves in a cup of hot water and steeping them for three to four minutes. Once brewed, the tea leaves should be removed and the tea should be cooled to a warm temperature. Patients should take a few sips of the tea, swish the tea around and spit it out.
