toothache during pregnancy

[Jerry1]

Hi

My wife is five months pregnant and has severe tooth ache. I think she needs a filling or maybe a root canal. Is it safe for her to have dental treatment during pregnancy?

[Dr Ehsan J. Esfahani]

Hello Jerry,

Yes it is safe for your wife to have dental treatment during pregnancy. Toothache during pregnancy is not unsual for a woman. Many women put up and suffer with their toothache pain because of fear of having dental care while they are pregnant. Not having dental care during pregnancy can actually harm a baby. Having continuous pain of any type while pregnant inevitably causes stress to your body. Therefore prolonged stress by trying to deal with a toothache without treatment can harm the unborn baby. If you have cavities that require fillings there are mercury free fillings that you could request.

As soon as the dental pain begins a pregnant mother should seek dental care with a knowledgeable emergency dentist. The limited use of x-rays may be necessary and the baby can be protected by using a lead shield. X-rays can not penetrate lead. The use of penicillin and codeine during pregnancy is generally allowed.

It is important for pregnant women to avoid stress and get plenty of rest and relaxation and stay away from any more unnecessary pain to give birth to healthy babies.