E.G. asks from Brooklyn, NY on August 16, 2009
Toothaches Which Lead to Headaches! Help
Hi, I am 28 weeks pregnant and almost 2 weeks ago, starting experiencing horrible toothaches! i went to the dentist, who gave me a basic cleaning and said my teeth and gums looked fine. The toothaches have continued and these tooth-headaches usually occur about 2 hours after I wake up in the morning--all the way to early evening! They are so annoying!
My midwife suggested I see an ear/nose/throat specialist because I recently had a cold and she thinks it's possible that a sinus infection got settled in my gums. Is this something that the dentist could have determined? Do i need antibiotics for this sort of thing, or is it something that will just go away in a few weeks?
Any thoughts appreciated!
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M.T. answers from Albany on August 17, 2009
Hi E.,
The first onsets of my sinus infections are usually a scratchy throat and teeth/jaw aches. Mine lessen when I lay down, and then when I get up to start the day the jaw bone and back teeth start to get score, almost like itchy and I constantly want to scratch inside my skin on the bone. It is weird, but you would definitely see a specialist.
I was like you and thought my dentist would be able to tell as well, but he said that if it is inside the nasal passages, it is beyond his knowledge. I was inflamed from not treating it for so long, but after a couple weeks of antibiotics, I was fine.
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H.L. answers from New York on August 19, 2009
if its any consolation it will go away once you have the baby. Sometimes fillings hurt when your pregnant too. See if you can use some kind of pain reliever theres no point to going to the doctor when its only pregnancy related.
From H.
M.W. answers from New York on August 17, 2009
Given that this seems to happen mostly after you are asleep - I am wondering if you have an excacerbation of your TMJ. Get the infection checked out absolutely - but 2 years ago (for the next 8-9 months) - I had terrible toothaches that led to sore throats and headaches - to the point that I was taking a muscle relaxor and hydro-codeine more days than not. When it first began, I went to my dentist who told me he couldn't tell until he did a cleaning which I needed to wait 2 weeks for. Then he said, I was fine and didn't know what the problem was. It was after that that I got the pain killers to help me sleep when it would start. I wanted to get pregnant, but knew I couldn't not take this medication (and I HATE medication) and wouldn't be able to handle the pain without it. I went to the ENT who said - I had TMJ and sent me to a dentist who specializes in TMJ. This dentist explained what was happening - gave me an appliance to wear so I don't clench my teeth. Knock on wood - since he gave that to me at the beginning of last summer - I have not had a flair up. If there's no infection - keep looking. All dentists aren't quite the same!
N.T. answers from New York on August 18, 2009
Hi E.:
The health of your mouth and teeth say alot about the current state of your overall health. I would be happy to assist you with a health consultation to get to the root of the matter and address it. Please feel free to contact me.
All the best,
N.
Holistic Maternity Care Provider
www.wholecreations.com/wombfull.html
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S.U. answers from New York on August 17, 2009
If you have a sinus infection that is causing pain in your teeth and headaches, there is a great product that is all natural and 100% safe during pregnancy called Xlear. It is a nasal wash that you can use several times a day. It has xylitol, a natural sugar, that inhibits the growth of bacteria. When you use it, your nose will run like crazy, but it's good because it drains the fluid out of the sinuses and will give you some relief. You can buy it at a health food store, or online (www.xlear.com)
S.H. answers from Albany on August 17, 2009
You safely use tissue salts. Hylands makes one called BIOXII (Bio 12) that has all the salts in it. We've used them for growing pains. If I understand correctly they will help your body utilize the minerals you already have while providing more minerals. These are safe for babies and pregnant moms. Online or health food store. While you're using the BIOXII read a book about Tissue Salts and figure out which individual salts would be best for you. The sooner you start the better.
You can't safely take antibiotics while pregnant unless it's an emergency.
Be sure you're consuming enough leafy greens. No sugar or white flour products if it's a sinus infection!
If it's sinus for sure there's a homeopathic spray you can use by Heel. Euphorbium comp.
Personally I wouldn't use any medications while pregnant. Everything you take your developing baby is using too and in greater amounts since it's obviously much smaller. It can affect whatever organ or whatever cells are growing at that particular time.
My guess is that you're depleted of some minerals which is often the case during pregnancy. Tooth issues can easily be causing your headaches. Again, I'm not making any diagnosis here, just giving you some ideas!
Hope you get feeling better soon!
A.D. answers from New York on August 17, 2009
Hi E.. I have sinus problems that cause my teeth to hurt. I take a decongestant. The doctor will not give an antibiotic unless he/she thinks you have and infection. Dr. may ask if you cough or see green or yellow coming from your nose(I know, yuk) Not sure what you can take in your condition but you can use a saline nasal spray. I think you should consult your doctor. My best, Grandma Mary
A.J. answers from New York on August 17, 2009
My teeth hurt every time I get a sinus infection. If you are looking for a natural way to clear up a sinus infection try the neti pot. It looks like a genie lamp and you mix non-iodized salt with warm water and then rinse out your nose. It is great! I have to say that at first it may feel like you got water up your nose but with a little practice, if you do it right you can't feel it at all. Good luck and feel better!
A.F. answers from New York on August 17, 2009
E.-
this happens to me on occasion. it feels like i have cavities is all my teeth! it is always my sinuses. i use sudafed PE Sinus Headache. i used this while pregnant and i think it is safe but check with your widwife if you are concerned. you may have to take it every 4 hrs for at least a day before you get some relief.
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