During breastfeeding, it is important to maintain proper nutrition to support the health and milk production of your baby. Most of the time, breastfeeding mothers encounter health issues, such as toothaches. A toothache in breastfeeding mothers can disrupt their nutritional intake and affect milk production. What are the reasons breastfeeding mothers are prone to toothaches?
Causes of toothache in breastfeeding mothers
There are several factors causing toothaches, including tooth decay, sensitive teeth, impacted wisdom teeth, or other dental and oral health issues. In breastfeeding mothers, toothaches are often due to nutrient absorption from mother to baby. Some common causes of toothache in breastfeeding mothers include:
1. Lack of Calcium Intake
During pregnancy and breastfeeding, mothers need a higher intake of calcium than usual. Calcium is necessary to maintain bone density and prevent brittleness. It also helps in maintaining oral and heart health for the mother.
According to the 2019 Recommended Nutrient Intake, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers need 1400 milligrams (mg) of calcium. A deficiency in calcium can lead to brittle teeth, cavities, and damage to the outer layer of the tooth root.
2. Poor Oral Hygiene
One common reason breastfeeding mothers experience toothaches is poor oral hygiene. This issue can arise even before pregnancy or breastfeeding. Problems such as gum inflammation and swelling due to infection (gingivitis), cavities, and tartar buildup may occur. The busy routine of caring for a baby sometimes leaves mothers with little time for dental care, leading to toothaches.
3. Hormonal Changes
Changes in estrogen levels can also cause toothaches in breastfeeding mothers. During breastfeeding, estrogen levels are low to maintain milk production. Low estrogen levels can affect bone strength, increasing the risk of inflammation in the dental tissues (periodontitis).
Treatment of toothache in breastfeeding mothers
The treatment of toothache in breastfeeding mothers depends on the underlying cause. If a toothache can be relieved with painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, breastfeeding mothers can take these medications. However, if the toothache requires antibiotics, the doctor will prescribe medications that are safe for breastfeeding mothers.
In addition to medications, you can also manage toothaches with home remedies, such as:
1. Salt Water Rinse
According to Healthline, rinsing with salt water can help reduce inflammation during a toothache. Salt water is a natural disinfectant and can dislodge food particles and debris stuck between teeth.
To relieve a toothache, mix 1/2 teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water and use it as a mouthwash. Rinse 2-3 times a day until the toothache subsides.
2. Cold Compress
You can also ease a toothache by applying a cold compress to the cheek or the painful tooth. To do this, place ice cubes in a plastic bag, wrap it in a towel, and then apply the towel to the cheek or the painful tooth for 15-20 minutes. The cold temperature can constrict blood vessels and reduce pain.
Toothache is a common health issue among breastfeeding mothers. Tootaches are caused by various factors, including conditions experienced before pregnancy and breastfeeding. If this problem disrupts your daily activities, it is advisable to consult a doctor for appropriate treatment.
If you need medical advice or consultation, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.
Looking for more information about pregnancy, breastfeeding, and the health of women and children? Click here!
- dr. Alvidiani Agustina Damanik
Kids Health. Pregnant or Breastfeeding? Nutrients You Need. Available from: https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/moms-nutrients.html
Cleveland Clinic. Hormones and Oral Health. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/11192-hormones-and-oral-health#
Cronkleton, E. (2022). 11 Home and Natural Remedies for Toothache Pain. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/home-remedies-for-toothache
GO. UK. (2019). Breastfeeding and Dental Health. Available from: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/breastfeeding-and-dental-health/breastfeeding-and-dental-health
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Disease. Pregnancy, Breastfeeding and Bone Health. Available from: https://www.bones.nih.gov/health-info/bone/bone-health/pregnancy
WebMD. (2020). An Overview of Tootaches. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/toothache#
Peraturan Menteri Kesehatan RI Nomor 28 Tahun 2019 Tentang Angka Kecukupan Gizi yang Dianjurkan Untuk Masyarakat Indonesia. Available from: http://hukor.kemkes.go.id/uploads/produk_hukum/PMK_No__28_Th_2019_ttg_Angka_Kecukupan_Gizi_Yang_Dianjurkan_Untuk_Masyarakat_Indonesia.pdf
