What should I do if I have pulpitis during pregnancy?
Nov 03, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Chao
Introduction
In general, pulpitis during pregnancy may be caused by hormonal changes, immune fluctuations, dental caries, dental trauma, periodontitis, or other factors. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and improve the condition under a doctor's guidance through general management, medication, surgical treatment, and other approaches. In daily life, avoid irritating foods such as those that are cold, hot, sour, or sweet, choose mild and easy-to-chew foods, and reduce stress on the teeth.
In general, pulpitis during pregnancy may be caused by hormonal changes, immune fluctuations, dental caries, dental trauma, periodontitis, and other factors. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and improve symptoms under a doctor's guidance through general management, medication, surgical treatment, or other methods. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Hormonal changes: During pregnancy, elevated estrogen and progesterone levels can cause gingival blood vessel dilation and congestion, increasing the sensitivity of dental pulp tissue and making it more susceptible to pulpitis. Symptoms include spontaneous tooth pain and nighttime pain. Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing teeth 2–3 times daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and rinsing with physiological saline after meals to reduce food residue and minimize irritation to the pulp.
2. Immune fluctuations: Pregnant women experience temporary decreases in immunity, weakening resistance to bacteria within the pulp chamber, allowing bacterial overgrowth and subsequent inflammation. Pain may radiate to the face or ears. Ensure adequate sleep, avoid excessive fatigue, and consume foods rich in protein and vitamins to strengthen the body's immune defenses and suppress bacterial proliferation.
3. Dental caries: Bacterial erosion of tooth hard tissues forms cavities. If left untreated, bacteria can invade the pulp and lead to pulpitis, often presenting as dark brown defects in the affected tooth. The dentist will prepare the cavity, remove decayed dental tissue, and fill the cavity with materials such as glass ionomer cement or composite resin to block the pathway for bacterial invasion.
4. Dental trauma: Accidental impact or fracture of teeth during pregnancy may expose the pulp, leading to bacterial infection and pulpitis, accompanied by tooth mobility and pain. If the exposed pulp area is small, direct pulp capping may be performed using biologically active materials to protect the pulp.
5. Periodontitis: Uncontrolled inflammation of periodontal tissues allows bacteria to enter the pulp via periodontal pockets, causing pulpitis. This is often accompanied by redness, swelling, bleeding of the gums, and loose teeth. Follow medical advice to use hydrogen peroxide solution, chlorhexidine mouthwash, iodine glycerin, and other medications for local application or rinsing to control periodontal inflammation.
In daily life, avoid irritating foods such as those that are cold, hot, sour, or sweet. Choose mild, easy-to-chew foods to reduce stress on the teeth. Maintain regular dental check-ups to detect and address oral problems early. Through scientific oral care, alleviate symptoms of pulpitis and promote oral health during pregnancy.
