Can taking toothache medication during pregnancy affect the fetus?

Pregnancy refers to gestation. In general, taking painkillers for toothaches during pregnancy may or may not affect the fetus; medical advice should be followed. The details are as follows:

1. Potential effects: When experiencing tooth pain during pregnancy, choosing appropriate medication is crucial. For example, ibuprofen tablets and enteric-coated aspirin tablets. Using these medications during the first and second trimesters may increase the risk of miscarriage, fetal malformations, and heart problems. Particularly in the third trimester, taking such drugs may impair fetal kidney function and prolong labor.

2. Minimal or no effects: If relatively safe medications during pregnancy are chosen, adverse effects are generally minimal—for instance, acetaminophen (paracetamol) tablets. This common over-the-counter drug is considered a safer option for managing tooth pain during pregnancy. Appropriate use of acetaminophen does not increase the risk of fetal malformations or other adverse outcomes. However, long-term or excessive use is still not recommended.

Medication should be avoided as much as possible during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. If tooth pain is not severe, natural relief methods such as rinsing with salt water or applying cold compresses can be tried. If pain persists or worsens, prompt consultation with a doctor is advised to receive professional guidance and treatment.