Includes Expert Content
tooth pain during pregnancy
radhu posted:
am on my first trimester of pregnancy and a few days back i noticed that i have pain on a tooth which underwent root canal 7 years ago
it is not a severe pain but when i try to chew food it gives a pain and i am scared to go to dentist because people tell its not safe to treat oral problems during pregnancy because it may harm the developing fetus
i am worried and not sure what needs to be done, as of now i have stopped chewing using the left side as the infected tooth is at left side lower side
please advise
it is not a severe pain but when i try to chew food it gives a pain and i am scared to go to dentist because people tell its not safe to treat oral problems during pregnancy because it may harm the developing fetus
i am worried and not sure what needs to be done, as of now i have stopped chewing using the left side as the infected tooth is at left side lower side
please advise
3 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:tooth pain during pregnancy<i>am on my first trimester of pregnancy and a few days back i noticed that i have pain on a tooth which underwent root canal 7 years ago<br />it is not a severe pain but when i try to chew food it gives a pain and i am scared to go to dentist because people tell its not safe to treat oral problems during pregnancy because it may harm the developing fetus <br />i am worried and not sure what needs to be done, as of now i have stopped chewing using the left side as the infected tooth is at left side lower side <br /><br />please advise</i>
Zev Kaufman, DDS responded:
Dear Radhu:
Congratulations!
Let's follow the logic here....
You are pregnant! That is wonderful. You are, however, not only responsible for your life now, but for the well being of your growing child. You also have a dental problem. You know that since you are in pain. ...and what do all the smart "they" tell you? "don't go to the doctor"????
It is absolutely true that any elective dental treatment should be done in the second trimester. At that time, all the major organs of your fetus are formed and the potential for damage is limited. Also, if you are treated in the third trimester, the stress of the treatment might induce premature birth.
However, you are not looking at elective treatment at this point. You have a problem which has to be addressed immediately, if only to obtain the proper diagnosis.
So, here is what to do...
Go to your dentist and have your mouth looked at. Have them take an X-ray of the problem teeth. The more current digital (computerized) x-ray systems produce negligible radiation (you get more radiation going in the sun). Make sure that when the X-rays are taken, your belly is covered by the lead apron and ask, before you go, whether the X-rays are digital. Most contemporary offices are digital.
Ask the dentist if the problems can wait a couple of months. If they can, wait until your second trimester and have the work done.
This IS VERY IMPORTANT! You need to be healthy throughout the pregnancy for the sake of your baby. ...and trust me, as a father, I can tell you that after the birth, you will NOT have time for the dentist.
Don't forget to also ask the dentist about your oral hygiene and make sure that you are brushing and flossing very well.
There is a clear link between poor oral hygiene of the mother and low birth weight of the baby.
Keep your health at an optimum first.
Best wishes for an easy pregnancy.
Dr. Zev Kaufman
Congratulations!
Let's follow the logic here....
You are pregnant! That is wonderful. You are, however, not only responsible for your life now, but for the well being of your growing child. You also have a dental problem. You know that since you are in pain. ...and what do all the smart "they" tell you? "don't go to the doctor"????
It is absolutely true that any elective dental treatment should be done in the second trimester. At that time, all the major organs of your fetus are formed and the potential for damage is limited. Also, if you are treated in the third trimester, the stress of the treatment might induce premature birth.
However, you are not looking at elective treatment at this point. You have a problem which has to be addressed immediately, if only to obtain the proper diagnosis.
So, here is what to do...
Go to your dentist and have your mouth looked at. Have them take an X-ray of the problem teeth. The more current digital (computerized) x-ray systems produce negligible radiation (you get more radiation going in the sun). Make sure that when the X-rays are taken, your belly is covered by the lead apron and ask, before you go, whether the X-rays are digital. Most contemporary offices are digital.
Ask the dentist if the problems can wait a couple of months. If they can, wait until your second trimester and have the work done.
This IS VERY IMPORTANT! You need to be healthy throughout the pregnancy for the sake of your baby. ...and trust me, as a father, I can tell you that after the birth, you will NOT have time for the dentist.
Don't forget to also ask the dentist about your oral hygiene and make sure that you are brushing and flossing very well.
There is a clear link between poor oral hygiene of the mother and low birth weight of the baby.
Keep your health at an optimum first.
Best wishes for an easy pregnancy.
Dr. Zev Kaufman
Report This| Share this:tooth pain during pregnancyDear Radhu:<br /><br />Congratulations! <br /><br />Let's follow the logic here....<br /><br />You are pregnant! That is wonderful. You are, however, not only responsible for your life now, but for the well being of your growing child. You also have a dental problem. You know that since you are in pain. ...and what do all the smart "they" tell you? "don't go to the doctor"????<br /><br />It is absolutely true that any elective dental treatment should be done in the second trimester. At that time, all the major organs of your fetus are formed and the potential for damage is limited. Also, if you are treated in the third trimester, the stress of the treatment might induce premature birth.<br /><br />However, you are not looking at elective treatment at this point. You have a problem which has to be addressed immediately, if only to obtain the proper diagnosis.<br /><br />So, here is what to do...<br /><br />Go to your dentist and have your mouth looked at. Have them take an X-ray of the problem teeth. The more current digital (computerized) x-ray systems produce negligible radiation (you get more radiation going in the sun). Make sure that when the X-rays are taken, your belly is covered by the lead apron and ask, before you go, whether the X-rays are digital. Most contemporary offices are digital.<br /><br />Ask the dentist if the problems can wait a couple of months. If they can, wait until your second trimester and have the work done.<br />This IS VERY IMPORTANT! You need to be healthy throughout the pregnancy for the sake of your baby. ...and trust me, as a father, I can tell you that after the birth, you will NOT have time for the dentist.<br />Don't forget to also ask the dentist about your oral hygiene and make sure that you are brushing and flossing very well.<br /><br />There is a clear link between poor oral hygiene of the mother and low birth weight of the baby.<br /><br />Keep your health at an optimum first.<br /><br />Best wishes for an easy pregnancy.<br /><br />Dr. Zev Kaufman
radhu replied to Zev Kaufman, DDS's response:
dear Dr. Zev
thank u so much for your valuable advice, i was wondering what to do as the pain is little high in the night and i find it difficult to chew the food properly thanks much i have decided to visit the dentist tomorrow
thank u so much for your valuable advice, i was wondering what to do as the pain is little high in the night and i find it difficult to chew the food properly thanks much i have decided to visit the dentist tomorrow
Report This| Share this:tooth pain during pregnancydear Dr. Zev <br /><br />thank u so much for your valuable advice, i was wondering what to do as the pain is little high in the night and i find it difficult to chew the food properly thanks much i have decided to visit the dentist tomorrow
I am so glad that you are taking control!
Best wishes,
Dr. Zev Kaufman
Best wishes,
Dr. Zev Kaufman
Report This| Share this:tooth pain during pregnancyI am so glad that you are taking control!<br />Best wishes,<br />Dr. Zev Kaufman
Featuring Experts
For almost two decades, Dr. Zev Kaufman, has been known in the dental community as "the dentist's dentist." Graduating with honors and a...More
Helpful Tips
WebMD doesn't document EMG for diagnosing TMD
Why are WebMD's informational articles on TMD a couple of years old and don't even mention EMG? Even wikipedia calls it the most reliable ... More
Was this Helpful?
3
of
7 found this helpful
Helpful Resources
Related News
Related Drug Reviews
- Drug Name User Reviews
Report Problems to the
Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
For more information, visit Dr. Kaufman's website
Other Oral Health Information
More Related Communities
The opinions expressed in WebMD User-generated content areas like communities, reviews, ratings, or blogs are solely those of the User, who may or may not have medical or scientific training. These opinions do not represent the opinions of WebMD. User-generated content areas are not reviewed by a WebMD physician or any member of the WebMD editorial staff for accuracy, balance, objectivity, or any other reason except for compliance with our Terms and Conditions. Some of these opinions may contain information about treatments or uses of drug products that have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. WebMD does not endorse any specific product, service, or treatment.
Do not consider WebMD User-generated content as medical advice. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your care plan or treatment. WebMD understands that reading individual, real-life experiences can be a helpful resource, but it is never a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified health care provider. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or dial 911 immediately.
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
About WebMD Advertise With Us Terms of Use Privacy Policy Sponsor Policy Site Map Careers Contact Us
First Aid WebMD Magazine WebMD Health Record WebMD Mobile Newsletters Dictionary Physician Directory
©2005-2013 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.