What can I use for toothache during breastfeeding?
What to do if you have toothache during lactation
New mothers neglect oral care which causes toothache during lactation. Toothache is really uncomfortable, but because you can’t take medicine during lactation, what should you do?
- Gargle or brush your teeth with concentrated salt water because salts help reduce inflammation of the gums.
- You must avoid using painkillers casually, only take painkillers under the guidance of a doctor.
- Biting peppercorns where the toothache is can effectively relieve the pain, or place a slice of mint at the toothache site.
- Use honey or ginger to place on the toothache, just a few minutes, it is great for pain and also full of fragrance.
- Cut a small piece of aloe vera, peel off the skin, and then place the pulp containing the viscous liquid in the painful area, you will feel relieved after 2 hours.
- You can apply ice to the cheeks for 15 minutes to relieve the pain at least 3 to 4 times a day.
Causes of toothache during lactation
What are the causes of toothache during lactation? Generally speaking, the main cause of toothache is improper diet.
- Pulpitis, the pain intensifies when sleeping at night; stimuli such as cold and heat can induce pain. When the irritation is removed, the pain cannot disappear immediately.
- Dental caries are holes in teeth that form when acid in the mouth erodes tooth enamel caused by sugary foods and bacteria in the mouth.
- Gingivitis caused by plaque and tartar. Inflamed tissue is prone to bleeding even with light touch of the toothbrush
- Periodontitis is dental plaque deposits that can infect deeper tissues between the teeth and gums that can lead to tooth loss.
- Toothache caused by gum atrophy is not called “teeth” pain, but should be called “bite pain“ usually occurs in middle-aged and elderly people.
- Cracked teeth is a non-physiological small crack on the surface of the crown causing severe pain during chewing.
- Dental allergies commonly caused by the exposure of dentin to caries, food or toothbrush wear, and gum atrophy.
Symptoms of toothache during lactation
- Tooth pain that may be sharp, throbbing, or constant.
- Red and swollen gums or even the cheeks.
- Fever or headache.
- Foul-tasting drainage from the infected tooth.
- A bad odor from the mouth.
Can you take medicine for toothache during lactation?
- It is recommended to take some multivitamins under the guidance of a doctor.
- Try to ensure adequate sleep, pay attention to oral hygiene, rinse your mouth after eating food, and drink plenty of water.
- You can also brush your teeth after each meal and rinse your mouth with saline and hydrogen peroxide disinfectant to keep your mouth clean.
- Don’t take the medicine yourself, you must consult the doctor before taking the medicine.
- Don’t eat hot food when you have toothache, instead eat more fruits and vegetables.
Reference
Toothache: Causes, symptoms, treatment & prevention. (n.d.). Retrieved February 05, 2021, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10957-toothache