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January 2011 Moms
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Dentist - so much pain!!!

Milo5181Milo5181 member
in January 2011 Moms

I went on vacation to Cartagena, Colombia for ten days and on the second day of my trip my back gum got very swollen and painful.

Let's also say that I haven't been to the dentist in a long time. I didn't have dental coverage for a while and then once I got it, I put off going because frankly I hate the dentist. I felt really guilty about it but everyone I knew was like "Oh I hate my dentist, let me know if you find anyone good." So that also allowed me to further procrastinate on the dental front.

But because my gum had been swollen and painful for nine days, I made my boyfriend ask all his coworkers and finally got a good recommendation, and luckily I got in to the dentist after work today. I am so glad I did. I have an infection in my gum AND a cavity in my wisdom tooth as well as gingivitis.

They won't be able to do anything about the cavity until after I give birth (they'll just take it out) but they gave me antibiotics for the infection. They also started a deep cleaning and oh my god, infection + pregnancy gingivitis + not going to the dentist for 2 years = the most painful cleaning ever. My gums still hurt two hours later. The hygienist kept saying, "Oh you're going to want to punch me in the face," or "You're going to claw my eyes out." I just kept apologizing because it's my own damn fault for not going to the dentist in so long. I kept telling myself that childbirth will be worse so if I can't deal with this pain...but while that worked in the chair while she was stabbing my gums, it isn't working now that I just have the constant throbbing all around my mouth.

Anyhow I am so glad I went, not just because of the urgent situation but because now I feel like I have a nice dentist and I don't have to feel bad about not going anymore. But dental care during pregnancy--yikes!!!



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Re: Dentist - so much pain!!!

  • izzourclueizzourclue member
    Why can't they fill your cavity while pregnant?
    I give up trying to get a ticker.  I have a DD that is 2.5 years old and is awesome.  Maybe I'll add a quote to distinguish myself.  Hmmm.  How about...

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  • Milo5181Milo5181 member
    Because they would rather just take out the wisdom tooth.


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  • ekmebmekmebm member

    I have mega sensitive gums and even though I floss daily, my gums always are sore after a cleaning.

    One thing I've found that helps a little bit is to drink lots of super cold ice water and sort of swish it around your mouth before swallowing it. The cold kinda numbs the pain and feels really nice on sore gums. Plus it's just ice water, which is totally safe during pregnancy and who couldn't stand to drink a little more water?

    Glad you found a dentist and hope you're feeling better soon.

    Kate & Eric Married 10.10.09

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  • pawcallpawcall member

    I can sympathize, except that I went back to the dentist last February after taking twenty years off.  I feel lucky to still have teeth, and will be getting fillings pretty much constantly after the baby's born (I got one done while pregnant and it was the most painful experience of my freaking life.  My dentist is advising that I want until after the baby's born so I can get more/better drugs.  The novocaine they use on pregnant women at my dentist's office wore off after 15-20 minutes.

    In retrospect, I don't know how I escaped this without needing a root canal.  I seriously, seriously don't.

    ~Mom to an amazing Jan 2011 boy~
    ~EDD Nov 18, 2017 with my IUI success story~

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  • katieb190katieb190
    I am a dental hygienist and I always feel bad when I need to do these special types of cleanings because they can be very painful. It is very common to have a lot of build-up if you have not had a cleaning in a while and this build-up can cause gum disease not to mention that gums are usually inflamed during pregnancy anyway. Usually we numb the areas so I am a little surprised they didn't numb using anesthetic without epinephrine (safer during pregnancy). It is good that you are getting it done though as gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis) can be linked to pre-term/low birth-weight babies. Rare cases, but good that you are getting it done nonetheless! Glad you found a dentist you like and trust-it is very important as the dental experience is not always the most fun!
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  • Ms.MessmerMs.Messmer
    I was just reading an article last night about why dental care/hygiene is extremely important while pregnant as it can help prevent preterm labor and other various issues.  I'm glad you went and hopefully you have no further issues while pregnant.
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