Toothache Medication for Safe Breastfeeding Mothers

Toothache medication for nursing mothers should not be consumed carelessly, because it can cause effects on the baby. It is important to ensure that the drug is safe for consumption during lactation, so that it does not harm the baby and does not interfere with the process of breastfeeding. Toothache can cause discomfort that is very annoying. This complaint can be felt by anyone, and not a few people who feel the need to take a toothache medicine to relieve the pain, including breastfeeding mothers.

Choice of Toothache Medication for Breastfeeding Mothers

Treatment of toothache needs to be adjusted according to the cause, for example cavities or gum inflammation. Therefore, it is important to consult with a dentist to get proper oral and dental care. If drug use is indeed necessary, the consumption of toothache medicine for nursing mothers is recommended after completing breastfeeding the baby or before the baby sleeps long at night. The aim is that the effects of the drug do not affect breast milk (ASI) taken by the baby. Toothache medications that can be consumed by nursing mothers include:

• Paracetamol

Paracetamol is a toothache medicine for nursing mothers that is safe for consumption if it follows the appropriate dosage. By consuming paracetamol, the pain that appears when toothache can be reduced. Although somewhat safe, it is better to consult with your doctor about its use. Especially if your baby is born premature, has a low weight or has certain medical conditions.

• Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen can also be a toothache medicine for nursing mothers. However, make sure the mother does not experience injury to the stomach (peptic ulcer) or asthma. Consumption of ibuprofen is quite safe and does not harm the baby as long as the dose is not excessive, because there is a possibility that the content of ibuprofen will go into breast milk, even in very small amounts. The use of ibuprofen when breastfeeding should consult a doctor if your baby has certain medical conditions, was born with a low weight, or is premature.

• Mefenamic acid

This pain medication can be used as a toothache medicine for safe nursing mothers. Although it can be contained in breast milk, mefenamic acid rarely causes side effects in infants.

• Antibiotics

To cure toothaches caused by bacterial infections, antibiotics will be needed. Some types of antibiotic drugs that are fairly safe for nursing mothers are, amoxicillin, cefadroxil, and erythromycin. But before deciding to use this drug, breastfeeding mothers should consult with a doctor first in order to get treatment at the right dose.

To ensure the safety and dosage of using the right medicine, every toothache medicine for nursing mothers needs to follow the instructions for use or according to the doctor's recommendations.

Overcoming Dental Pain with Home Care

In addition to taking toothache medicine for nursing mothers, simple treatment at home can also be done to relieve the toothache suffered.

• Gargling salt water

Salt water can be a natural infection prevention and is able to clean the remaining food stuck between the teeth. Inflammation and injury around the teeth and gums can also be overcome by gargling salt water. To get the benefits of salt water in curing toothache, mix ½ teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water and use it as a mouthwash.

• Cold compress

Use cold compresses in the area around the affected tooth. You do this by wrapping ice cubes in a towel, then apply the cold compress to the cheeks that are close to the affected tooth. This method can also reduce inflammation and swelling around the diseased tooth.

• Avoid hot or cold food

When you have a toothache, food that is too hot or cold can cause your teeth to ache and ache. Try consuming soft-textured foods, and avoid foods that are too sweet.

Nursing mothers must maintain dental health. Make sure that you regularly brush your teeth at least twice a day, and clean the remaining food stuck between your teeth with dental floss once a day. Don't forget to see the dentist regularly. Toothache medication for nursing mothers may be consumed to relieve discomfort, but it is better to prevent toothache from the beginning with proper dental care.