Bleeding gums when you brush, a throbbing back tooth, or a sharp twinge with every cold drink can all signal toothache during pregnancy. You may wonder whether it can wait, or whether urgent care for tooth pain is safe while you’re expecting.
Quick Overview
- Toothache in pregnancy is pain or tenderness in the teeth or gums.
- It’s often linked to gum inflammation, morning sickness or decay, though causes vary.
- Treatment may be possible during pregnancy, timed around your comfort.
- Swelling, fever and how long pain lasts often guide next steps.
Below, we explain the likely causes and when to seek help.
Why Do Teeth Hurt More During Pregnancy?
Why Do Teeth Hurt More During Pregnancy?Pregnancy hormones can make gums swollen, inflamed and prone to bleeding, a condition known as pregnancy gingivitis. Hormonal changes also relax the muscle at the stomach’s entrance, so reflux or vomiting can coat teeth in stomach acid. This can wear away tooth enamel, and cravings for sugary foods raise the risk of tooth decay.
Is Dental Treatment Safe When You’re Pregnant?
Most dental procedures can go ahead, and local anaesthesia is considered safe for pregnant women. Many find the second trimester most comfortable, as morning sickness has often eased, while the dental chair may feel less comfortable in the third trimester.
How to Ease Tooth Pain at Home
How to Ease Tooth Pain at HomeThese steps may offer temporary relief only:
- Gargle with warm salt water to ease a mild ache, without swallowing it.
- Hold a cold compress against your face to reduce swelling.
- Avoid very hot or very cold drinks.
- Brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
- After vomiting, rinse with plain water before brushing.
When Is Tooth Pain During Pregnancy Urgent?
Contact our team promptly if you have facial swelling, fever or a bad taste in your mouth, or if tooth pain lasts more than two days. These signs may point to dental infections needing professional treatment, and your dentist may take an X-ray to find the cause. Severe gum disease in pregnancy has also been linked to low birth weight, so protecting your oral health matters.
Getting Pregnancy Toothaches Checked Sooner
Toothache can affect chewing and nutrition, and treating the cause helps symptoms improve. Our dentists can find the source and explain options suited to your stage of pregnancy. We see urgent dental issues seven days a week, including public holidays. If you’re pregnant and dealing with dental discomfort, please call us on (08) 7078 8263.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take pain relief for toothache during pregnancy?
Please speak with our team before taking any medicine or remedy, such as clove oil. We can discuss pain relief options while you wait for treatment.
Will pregnancy gum problems go away after birth?
Most gum changes from pregnancy settle after the baby arrives, although a small number of women develop ongoing gum disease that needs treatment.
Should I mention my pregnancy when booking?
Yes. Let our team know you’re pregnant when you call, so our dentists can take any necessary precautions during your dental care.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
Pregnancy, Birth and Baby, Healthdirect Australia. (2025). ‘Looking after your teeth during pregnancy’. Pregnancy, Birth and Baby, August. Australia: Healthdirect Australia. https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/pregnancy/nutrition-and-lifestyle/looking-after-your-teeth-during-pregnancy
Better Health Channel, Department of Health Victoria. (2025). ‘Pregnancy and teeth’. Better Health Channel, 21 August. Victoria: Department of Health Victoria. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/HealthyLiving/pregnancy-and-teeth
Healthdirect Australia. (2026). ‘Toothache and gum swelling’. Healthdirect Australia, February. Australia: Healthdirect Australia. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/symptoms/aches-and-pains/toothache-and-gum-swelling