It is not unusual for a woman to have a toothache during pregnancy. Many women suffer and put up with their toothache pain because they are afraid of having dental care while they're pregnant. However, this is a old wise tale that is not only false, but can harm your baby. Failing to have dental care during pregnancy can actually hurt a baby and cause several very unwanted problems.
Any future mother with a toothache during pregnancy should seek pregnancy dental care with a knowledgeable emergency dentist as soon as the dental pain begins. A mother who is with dental pain stresses her body and this stress can effect her baby. A pregnancy toothache can stress both a mother and her baby and the pain should always be addressed as soon as it occurs. Untreated periodontal care can result in a low birth weight or even a premature baby.
The most common problem with a woman having a toothache during pregnancy is related to wisdom tooth pain. Pregnant women have swollen gums and pregnancy gingivitis. If there is limited space for the wisdom teeth to erupt the gum can trap food and become painful. Pericornitis is when an upper wisdom tooth bites into the swollen gums covering a lower wisdom tooth. Another problem is when tooth decays extends into the tooth's nerve and an emergency pregnancy root canal is needed.
The limited use of x-rays may be necessary and the baby can be protected by using a lead shield since x-rays can not penetrate lead. Most obstetricians allow the use of penicillin and codeine during pregnancy. In some cases, these medications calm the situation down enough so that the new mom can wait and have her necessary treatment after the baby is born. Whether you are having a toothache during pregnancy or whether you just need pregnancy dental care, the dentists at the Atlanta Dental Group PC are dedicated to their patients' good health and well being. You are welcome to join our family of patients. Call 404-874-7428 for a free dental consultation with Atlanta Family Dentist, Dr. Mark Allan Padolsky.