Toothache is a reason to contact a dentist, including when you are pregnant. You do not have to put up with pain until your baby is born. Necessary dental assessment and treatment can be provided during pregnancy, and leaving an infection untreated can make it harder to manage.
Call 000 if swelling in your mouth or neck makes breathing difficult. Go to an emergency department for rapidly spreading facial or neck swelling, difficulty swallowing, or feeling seriously unwell. Tooth pain with swelling, fever, pus or a bad taste needs urgent dental or medical assessment.
For a toothache without those warning signs, arrange a dental appointment promptly. Tell the practice you are pregnant and describe the pain so they can advise how soon you need to be seen.
Why might a tooth hurt during pregnancy?
A painful tooth may have decay, a crack, a damaged filling or an infection. Wisdom teeth and gum problems can also cause discomfort. A dentist needs to examine the area to tell the difference.
Pregnancy can make gums more sensitive to plaque, so they may become swollen or bleed more easily. Vomiting and reflux expose teeth to stomach acid, which can wear down enamel. Changes in eating habits and difficulty brushing when nauseated can add to dental problems.
These changes do not mean pregnancy inevitably damages your teeth, or that a painful tooth proves a calcium deficiency. Taking extra calcium or drinking milk is not a treatment for a cavity or infection.
Is dental treatment safe while I am pregnant?
Yes, dental care can be provided during pregnancy. Tell your dentist how many weeks pregnant you are, any pregnancy complications, and all medicines or supplements you take. They can tailor treatment and contact your maternity clinician if needed.
Necessary fillings, root canal treatment or removal of a problem tooth should not be postponed solely because of pregnancy. Some people find the second trimester more comfortable for routine appointments, but pain or infection should not wait for a preferred trimester.
Appropriate local anaesthetic can be used to numb the area. When dental X-rays are needed to diagnose a problem or guide care, they can be taken during pregnancy. Ask your dentist why a test is needed and what precautions apply to the type of imaging being used.
If reclining makes you feel dizzy, nauseated or uncomfortable, tell the dental team straight away so they can adjust your position and take a break. You can also ask for shorter appointments if nausea is difficult to manage.
What if there is an abscess?
An abscess is an infection with a collection of pus. It may cause throbbing pain, pain on biting, swelling, fever or an unpleasant taste. It will not reliably resolve by itself or with a home remedy.
Treatment may involve drainage, treatment of the tooth or removal. Antibiotics may be needed in some situations, but they are not a substitute for treating the source of the infection. Do not use leftover antibiotics or try to drain a swelling yourself.
If you cannot get urgent dental care and have swelling, fever or are becoming unwell, seek medical assessment. Hospital care may be needed for a spreading infection.
What can I do while waiting to be seen?
Comfort measures can help you manage the wait, but they should not replace your appointment.
- Keep the area gently clean with a soft toothbrush.
- Choose softer foods and avoid chewing on the painful tooth if that makes it worse.
- A wrapped cool pack against the outside of your cheek may ease discomfort; do not put ice directly against the tooth or skin.
- Ask a pharmacist, dentist or doctor about pain relief suitable for your pregnancy and other medicines.
Do not put aspirin, garlic, concentrated clove oil or other strong substances directly on the tooth or gum. They are not a treatment for the cause and can irritate or injure the tissues. Check oral gels and herbal products before using them too.
Do not self-start anti-inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen. If you already take prescribed treatment, including low-dose aspirin for a pregnancy reason, check with the prescriber before changing it. There are suitable pain-relief options; the right choice depends on your circumstances.
Protecting your teeth when you are vomiting
After vomiting or reflux, rinse your mouth with water. Do not brush immediately because the acid temporarily softens the tooth surface. The Australian Dental Association advises waiting an hour before brushing.
Use fluoride toothpaste and a soft toothbrush. If brushing triggers gagging, try a smaller brush head, work gently and take a pause. Ask your dentist for a practical plan if you are struggling rather than giving up on care or feeling guilty.
Persistent vomiting also deserves medical treatment. Our nausea and hyperemesis guide explains when to seek help. You do not need to restrict necessary food or fluids to try to protect your teeth; your dental and maternity teams can help you manage both.
Everyday care and getting an appointment
Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and clean between your teeth daily with floss or interdental brushes. Water is a useful everyday drink. Where you can, limit frequent sugary drinks and snacks, while working around what you can tolerate during nausea.
Bleeding gums are a reason for dental advice, not a reason to stop gentle cleaning. Tell the dentist about any new lump, sore area, persistent sensitivity or tooth pain.
If cost or access is a barrier, ask your local public dental service about eligibility and urgent appointments. Eligibility differs across states and territories; pregnancy does not automatically guarantee free care. Your midwife or GP may also help you find a local service.
Sources and further reading
- Australian Dental Association: Oral health and pregnancy
- NSW Health: Oral health for pregnant women
- Healthdirect: Tooth abscess
- MotherSafe: Dental treatment in pregnancy and breastfeeding
This is general information for Australian readers. A dentist can diagnose tooth pain and arrange treatment appropriate for your pregnancy.