Extreme tooth pain during pregnancy

Severe tooth pain in pregnancy needs prompt dental assessment while pain relief and treatment are coordinated with your maternity care.

Hormonal changes can alter the gums, but extreme pain usually points to a dental problem requiring diagnosis. A dentist can examine the tooth and use pregnancy-appropriate radiographs when clinically necessary.

Rinse gently with warm water, keep the area clean, avoid very hot or cold foods, and use only medicines approved for you by your maternity clinician or dentist. Do not place aspirin, alcohol, or concentrated oils on the gum.

Contact a dentist promptly for severe, persistent, or worsening pain, swelling, fever, pus, or difficulty biting. Emergency medical care is needed for swelling that affects breathing or swallowing.

Ask what is causing the pain, whether an examination or radiograph is needed, which pain medicine is suitable in your pregnancy, and whether drainage, a filling, root canal treatment, or extraction is indicated.