Ibuprofen during pregnancy/breastfeeding

In the first and second trimester of pregnancy painkillers such as ibuprofen may be taken. However, the dosage should be discussed with the doctor beforehand. In the last third of the pregnancy you should avoid taking ibuprofen, as there is an increased risk of complications.Before birth, ibuprofen tablets are contraindicated as they relieve pain and suppress labor.

During breastfeeding, it is necessary to consider what is a higher risk for the child. The active ingredient ibuprofen is absorbed into breast milk, so the baby theoretically gets some. However, this is only dangerous if the doses are higher and if the tablets are taken over a longer period of time. However, pain also releases stress hormones, which can also pass into breast milk. Ibuprofen also has an anti-inflammatory effect, which fights gum inflammation and its pathogens.

Aspirin and paracetamol

The two other known representatives of pain medication in dentistry are aspirin and paracetamol, which are used less compared to ibuprofen. Aspirin is generally not used because it dilutes the blood. This leads to increased bleeding, even after an operation.

If, for example, you suffer from wisdom tooth problems and fight the pain with aspirin, the subsequent extraction of the tooth can lead to increased bleeding, which complicates the procedure and represents an unnecessary risk. Preparations based on acetylsalicylic acid are more likely to be used for heart attack prophylaxis. Paracetamol does not have an anti-inflammatory effect and has the major disadvantage that only small amounts are needed to damage the liver.

Nevertheless, it is not completely insignificant in dentistry as a painkiller, because in pregnancy this is the remedy of choice. If one suffers from very severe toothache during this time, aspirin could prevent the closure of the Ductus Botalli and ibuprofen, especially in the last third of pregnancy, could block a very important vessel near the heart. However, paracetamol should not be taken carelessly during this time for a long period of time. The pain treatment should be discussed with the dentist treating the child, because paracetamol is also placenta-compatible and the active ingredients cannot yet be completely broken down by the fetus, so that an increased dosage or a longer intake can lead to liver damage to the child.