Pain Relief Options While Nursing
Short answer. Pain relief nursing parents look for after dental problems should be chosen with a pharmacist, doctor or dentist, because suitability depends on the medicine, the amount and your health. The pain itself also deserves attention: toothache is a reason to see a dentist, not just to cover the symptom.
- Toothache needs a dentist, even if painkillers take the edge off.
- Ask a pharmacist or doctor which pain relief suits you while nursing.
- Check labels and avoid combining products that share the same ingredient.
- Non-drug measures can help with soreness while you wait for an appointment.
- Never change a prescribed medicine without talking to the prescriber.
Why pain should lead to a dental visit
Tooth pain is a signal, not a diagnosis. It can come from decay, a cracked tooth, a gum problem or an infection, and painkillers do not change the cause. Waiting can make treatment more complicated.
Contact a dentist promptly if the pain is severe, keeps you awake, comes with swelling or fever, or follows an injury. Those are not situations for waiting it out.
Choosing pain relief while breastfeeding
Different painkillers have different considerations during breastfeeding, and some products combine several ingredients. Over-the-counter options are not all equal, and what suits a friend may not suit you.
The simplest route is to ask a pharmacist, who can check the product against your health, other medicines and your baby's age. Your doctor or dentist can advise too, particularly if a prescription is under discussion.
Reading labels and avoiding doubling up
Cold and flu remedies, period pain tablets and dental pain products can contain the same active ingredient. Taking two at once is an easy mistake when you are tired.
Follow the instructions on the packet and the advice you were given. Do not exceed the stated amounts, and keep a note of what you took and when so a professional can see it if needed.
- Check the active ingredients on every product.
- Note the time of each dose.
- Keep medicines out of reach of children.
- Ask before combining anything.
Can anything ease soreness while waiting for the appointment?
Some comfort measures involve no medicine. Eating soft foods, avoiding very hot or cold drinks, chewing on the other side and keeping the area clean with gentle brushing can help. Many people also find that a cold compress against the cheek is soothing.
These are stopgaps. If the problem is not easing, or swelling appears, the next step is the dentist or an out-of-hours service, not stronger home remedies.
After an extraction or other dental treatment
Soreness after treatment is common. Ask the dentist what to expect, what is normal and which pain relief they suggest for you as a nursing parent, and get it in writing if possible.
Call the practice if pain worsens after a couple of days, if there is persistent bleeding, a bad taste that does not go away or swelling. Those can need a review.
Questions readers ask
Can I use a numbing gel for a sore tooth?
Ask a pharmacist first, since some products are not suitable for everyone and a gel only masks the symptom. The tooth still needs checking.
Is it all right to take my usual medicines for toothache?
Check with your pharmacist or doctor, especially if you take regular medicines, as some combinations are not advised.
Should I stop breastfeeding to take pain relief?
Do not decide that alone. Ask your dentist, doctor or pharmacist, who can usually suggest an option that fits your situation.
Talk to a professional. Persistent bleeding, pain, swelling, loose teeth or sores that do not heal need a dentist's attention, not a supplement.