{"id":31200,"date":"2026-07-28T18:00:48","date_gmt":"2026-07-28T18:00:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.may.app\/?p=31200"},"modified":"2026-04-16T14:23:46","modified_gmt":"2026-04-16T14:23:46","slug":"toothache-during-pregnancy-cloves","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.may.app\/en\/blog\/pregnancy\/toothache-during-pregnancy-cloves\/","title":{"rendered":"Toothache during pregnancy: what should you think about cloves?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">During pregnancy, due to hormonal changes, it is not uncommon to experience tooth pain. Among various home remedies, cloves may help relieve dental pain. What should you know before using them? What other natural alternatives can help ease a toothache? When should you seek care?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Toothache during pregnancy: what should you think about cloves?<\/strong> Let\u2019s take a closer look.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dental pain in pregnant women<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">During pregnancy, you may experience toothaches that you didn\u2019t have before. Why are these dental pains more common during this period?<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pregnancy is a <strong>time of major hormonal changes<\/strong>, particularly due to increased estrogen and progesterone levels. These <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">pregnancy hormones<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can directly affect your oral health and lead to several consequences:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Gum inflammation<\/strong>: hormones make gums more sensitive and promote pregnancy gingivitis. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to French Health Insurance, this condition affects up to 70% of pregnant women.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Bleeding and swelling<\/strong>: even minor irritation can cause red, swollen, sometimes painful gums that bleed easily when brushing.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Increased risk of infection<\/strong>: if gingivitis is not treated, it can progress to periodontitis, a deeper infection that weakens the tooth and its supporting tissues. Oral infectious diseases, such as periodontitis, are associated with a higher risk of preterm birth and complications for babies.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Increased tooth sensitivity<\/strong>: teeth may become more sensitive to temperature changes or sugary foods.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This hormonal context makes toothaches more frequent and sometimes more intense.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Warning<\/strong>: an untreated infection can develop into an abscess, requiring prompt dental care.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Want to learn more? Feel free to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/app.adjust.com\/1pblulz8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">download the May app<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, where you&#8217;ll find plenty of resources to support and guide you throughout your pregnancy.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-31181\" src=\"https:\/\/www.may.app\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/a-pregnant-woman-stands-in-the-house-at-the-window-2026-03-23-22-57-46-utc.webp\" alt=\"Toothache during pregnancy: what should you think about cloves? - May App Health\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.may.app\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/a-pregnant-woman-stands-in-the-house-at-the-window-2026-03-23-22-57-46-utc.webp 1000w, https:\/\/www.may.app\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/a-pregnant-woman-stands-in-the-house-at-the-window-2026-03-23-22-57-46-utc-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.may.app\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/a-pregnant-woman-stands-in-the-house-at-the-window-2026-03-23-22-57-46-utc-768x512.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What are the properties of cloves?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To relieve a toothache, one natural remedy is often mentioned: <strong>cloves<\/strong>.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cloves are dried flower buds from the clove tree, used for centuries to relieve dental pain. Their reputation as a natural dental remedy mainly comes from <strong>the presence of an active compound called eugenol<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This active compound is believed to give cloves <strong>anesthetic and antiseptic properties<\/strong>. Eugenol acts as a local pain reliever by partially blocking the transmission of the nerve signals responsible for dental pain. It also has <strong>anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects<\/strong>, helping to limit the growth of germs responsible for dental infections and abscesses.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some people apply cloves directly by placing them against the painful tooth or gum, while others use them in the form of essential oils or mouthwashes. However, during pregnancy, the forms of use must be considered carefully, and although cloves may temporarily relieve dental pain or inflamed gums, <strong>they do not replace medical advice<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Good to know: the use of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">essential oils during pregnancy<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> requires great caution. It is recommended to consult your healthcare professional before any use.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"--tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-color: rgb(59 130 246 \/ .5); --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 #0000; --tw-text-opacity: 1;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-31187\" style=\"--tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-color: rgb(59 130 246 \/ .5); --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 #0000; width: 1176.89px;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.may.app\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/young-woman-suffering-acute-toothache-touching-he-2026-03-13-04-14-47-utc.webp\" alt=\"Toothache during pregnancy: what should you think about cloves? - May App Health\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.may.app\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/young-woman-suffering-acute-toothache-touching-he-2026-03-13-04-14-47-utc.webp 1000w, https:\/\/www.may.app\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/young-woman-suffering-acute-toothache-touching-he-2026-03-13-04-14-47-utc-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.may.app\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/young-woman-suffering-acute-toothache-touching-he-2026-03-13-04-14-47-utc-768x512.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cloves and pregnancy: what you need to know<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you are suffering from a toothache, it is understandable to consider a natural remedy like cloves <strong>to relieve your pain<\/strong>. But what do healthcare professionals say?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>No strong clinical studies or official recommendations validate the use of cloves<\/strong> for pregnant women with toothaches. Therefore, the precautionary principle applies in everyday practice.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is recommended to discuss it with your healthcare professional before using cloves, in any form, to relieve a toothache or painful gums.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Cloves are safe in cooking at usual amounts<\/strong>. However, since sufficient safety data is lacking, their use in concentrated forms (topical application or essential oil) is not recommended during pregnancy without medical advice.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cloves should not replace a visit to the dentist either. In case of severe dental pain, abscess, toothache, or inflamed gums, you should seek prompt care.<\/span><br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-31190\" src=\"https:\/\/www.may.app\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/woman-with-severe-toothache-touching-her-swollen-c-2026-03-24-10-22-07-utc.webp\" alt=\"Toothache during pregnancy: what should you think about cloves? - May App Health\" width=\"1000\" height=\"665\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.may.app\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/woman-with-severe-toothache-touching-her-swollen-c-2026-03-24-10-22-07-utc.webp 1000w, https:\/\/www.may.app\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/woman-with-severe-toothache-touching-her-swollen-c-2026-03-24-10-22-07-utc-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.may.app\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/woman-with-severe-toothache-touching-her-swollen-c-2026-03-24-10-22-07-utc-768x511.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Natural alternatives to relieve toothache during pregnancy<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although cloves are often mentioned to ease toothache or soothe painful gums, other natural alternatives exist. Here are some recommended remedies compatible with pregnancy:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Saltwater mouthwash<\/strong>: dissolve a teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of warm water and gently rinse your mouth. This helps clean the mouth, reduce gum inflammation, and limit bacterial growth, without risk during pregnancy.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Cold compresses<\/strong>: apply an ice pack wrapped in a clean cloth to your cheek where the pain is located. Cold acts as a natural anti-inflammatory, helping to relieve pain and reduce swelling.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Good oral hygiene<\/strong>: regular brushing and flossing help prevent worsening pain and avoid infections.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-31193\" src=\"https:\/\/www.may.app\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/young-pregnant-woman-wearing-medical-mask-at-den-2026-03-19-07-45-19-utc.webp\" alt=\"Toothache during pregnancy: what should you think about cloves? - May App Health\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.may.app\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/young-pregnant-woman-wearing-medical-mask-at-den-2026-03-19-07-45-19-utc.webp 1000w, https:\/\/www.may.app\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/young-pregnant-woman-wearing-medical-mask-at-den-2026-03-19-07-45-19-utc-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.may.app\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/young-pregnant-woman-wearing-medical-mask-at-den-2026-03-19-07-45-19-utc-768x512.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When should you see a dentist for toothache during pregnancy?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Even the best natural remedies do not replace a dental consultation<\/strong>. Pregnancy makes gums and teeth more vulnerable to infections and complications. Do not delay making an appointment if:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The toothache lasts more than 48 hours.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You have swelling, red gums, or notice pus.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You have a fever.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You experience severe pain, a throbbing toothache, or difficulty chewing.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You notice significant gum bleeding, loose teeth, or persistent bad breath.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pregnancy is the ideal time to review your oral health. As part of pregnancy medical follow-up, <strong>a preventive dental check-up is offered and covered during pregnancy starting from the 4th month<\/strong>. This assessment includes:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A personalized consultation with a dentist to assess the condition of your teeth and gums, and detect possible cavities, inflammation, or dental abscesses.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Personalized advice on oral hygiene, diet, and precautions to take with certain remedies, such as cloves.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If needed, additional examinations and a tailored treatment plan may be proposed.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This appointment is an opportunity to ask all your questions, especially about natural remedies such as cloves.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">During pregnancy, dental pain is common and should be taken seriously. While natural remedies like cloves may seem effective for temporary relief, <strong>their use should be approached with caution<\/strong> and always discussed with a healthcare professional.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>**<\/p>\n<p>Photo credits: snegok1967 | shotprime | prathanchorruangask | sedrik2007 | msvyatkovska<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This text was translated from French by an artificial intelligence. The information, advice, and sources it contains comply with French standards and may therefore not apply to your situation. Make sure to complement this reading by visiting the May US\/UK app and consulting the healthcare professionals who are supporting you.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>During pregnancy, due to hormonal changes, it is not uncommon to experience tooth pain. Among various home remedies, cloves may help relieve dental pain. What should you know before using them? What other natural alternatives can help ease a toothache? When should you seek care? Toothache during pregnancy: what should you think about cloves? Let\u2019s [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":23,"featured_media":31185,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[186],"tags":[156],"class_list":["post-31200","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-pregnancy","tag-pregnancy-pains"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.may.app\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31200","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.may.app\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.may.app\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.may.app\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/23"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.may.app\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=31200"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.may.app\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31200\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":31204,"href":"https:\/\/www.may.app\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31200\/revisions\/31204"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.may.app\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/31185"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.may.app\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=31200"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.may.app\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=31200"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.may.app\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=31200"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}