Best medicine for tooth pain while pregnant
During pregnancy, confirm pain medicine with a clinician and arrange dental treatment for the cause of tooth pain.
The short answer
During pregnancy, ask your obstetric clinician or dentist which pain medicine fits your health and stage of pregnancy, while arranging treatment for the cause.
What is the direct answer?
Tooth pain can result from decay, an inflamed pulp, a cracked tooth, gum disease, trauma, or an impacted tooth. Pregnancy changes medication decisions, but dental examination and necessary treatment should not be postponed because pain itself needs a diagnosis.
What does this question mean?
The appropriate medicine depends on allergies, other medicines, liver or kidney disease, pregnancy stage, dose, and the cause of pain. Do not combine products that contain the same ingredient.
What can you do next?
Contact a dentist and tell them that you are pregnant, how far along you are, and every medicine or supplement you take. Use only the product and dose recommended for you, and do not place chemicals on the tooth or gum.
Treatment may include cleaning, a filling, a root canal, drainage, or removal of a tooth when indicated. The dental team can coordinate medication and anaesthesia decisions with your maternity clinician.
When should you seek dental care?
Seek urgent care for swelling, fever, pus, trauma, worsening pain, or difficulty opening the mouth.
Emergency help is needed for trouble breathing or swallowing, rapidly spreading swelling, or feeling seriously unwell.
What should you ask the dentist?
Ask What is the likely cause of the pain? Which pain medicine and dose are appropriate with my pregnancy and other medicines? Can the tooth be treated now, and what anaesthetic plan is suitable?
Frequently asked questions
Can I take my usual painkiller while pregnant?
Do not assume a medicine is suitable. Check the exact product, dose, pregnancy stage, and your medical history with a clinician.
Can dental treatment be done during pregnancy?
A dentist can assess the problem and coordinate treatment, imaging, anaesthesia, and medicines with your maternity care when needed.