Toothpaste Is Making Me Throw Up

I had this same problem with both my pregnancies. I think the 1st time I ended up trying a cinnamon flavored one and that worked. The 2nd time was a little more chalanging. I think I eventually ended up using a vanilla flavored toothpaste. I know that Colgate makes a bunch of different flavors in their "expressions" line. I think they may even have lemon flavor. Otherwise from what I've noticed is that kids toothpaste either comes in bubble gum or fruit punch flavors if you think you can handle either of those. Maybe also even try the baby toothpaste made by Orajel as that has an even milder flavor to it. The only thing about that one is that their is no flouride in it. Hope this helps.

When I was pregnant, I loved and used the Thomas' natural toothpastes. The ginger one. It settled my stomach and tasted so good in the morning. I still like it...

I am currently pregnant, and I was gagging everytime I brushed my teeth also. It went away for me at about 13 or 14 weeks or so. So hopefully it gets better for you.

The only toothpast that I could stomach when I was pregnant was cinnamon flavored.

I am the exact same way with pregnancy and just had my second child 2 weeks ago. I just use plain ole water and my tooth brush, dentist said I didn't need toothpaste.

I had an aversion to mint with all three of my pregnancies. The last one was the only one in which I had a hard time brushing my teeth though. I used citrus toothpaste, I think it was Colgate but I can't remember for sure. It didn't have any kind of minty hint to it. I also got some vanilla mouthwash, that helped too.

W.,

I had that problem with my first. I found that a natural toothpaste like Toms of Maine worked better for me.

J.

For me, it wasn't the flavor that made me throw up. I had to switch to a toothpaste that foamed less. It helped a lot, although I still couldn't brush my back teeth for a while. Colgate foams less than Crest, and I think I also had good luck with Tom's of Maine cinnamon toothpaste.

Been there. I'm 24 weeks and still gagging. I use some of the newer Crest flavors like vanilla or cinnamon.

Maybe you could try ACT rinse or Listerine whitening. Rinse first and use your toothbrush plain with water and brush your teeth. I'd also call your dentist's office and ask if they have suggestions.

Best of luck.

Have you tried any of the fruity flavors? I know there is a lemon one out there. Or how about cinnamon?

I second a previous poster's suggestion about an electric toothbrush. Putting the brush in one spot and letting it sit there and do with work, worked much better for me than the back and forth motion of a regular toothbrush!
Sorry, don't have any suggestions on toothpaste! I just went without it until the morning sickness went away at 18 weeks!

Have you tried chewing sugarless gum? My midwife recommended that instead of brushing in the morning. It was better than nothing and kind of fun, too! Later in the day it was easier to stomach the toothbrush (with non-mint paste).

You may want to try the Training Toothpaste, it's floride free and comes in a small tube. I think there is a teddy bear on the front. Also, if you don't have an electric, that may help because you don't have to do the brushing movements.

I had the same problem when I was pregnant! I threw up almost every time I brushed my teeth. ARGH. The only thing I could tolerate was a cinnamon flavor. Colgate or Crest (Can't remember which) makes some.

I saw that someone else mentioned Listerine. I love that stuff, but they do make a type now that isn't as strong when it comes to the burning sensation. But it might only be in a minty flavor. Oops! Good luck!

There is a Crest Daily Whitening....I think - Citrus Blast I think....it is one of th eones Emeril Advertized, sying "BAM!" when it first came out - in that same formula they make a Cinnamon and a Mild Vanilla-Mint that could work. Hopefully at 10.5 weeks you should soon get past the worst of morning sickness, maybe this will ease up then. Also, you could try any flavr of Kids' non-minty toothpaste, they have fruit and bubble gum flavors.

I really think you don't NEED toothpaste, it is the action of the brushing that really gets the stuff off...BUT I also know after brushing without it ( when forgotten for an overnight or something) that i mentally don't feel my teeth are as clean.

Good Luck!

Jessie

That is so funny (well not to you of course :). I had the same problem when I was pregnant. My husband used Crest Citris Fresh (minty orange) I usually loved that kind and then all of the sudden I would puke everytime I brushed my teech. The only kind I could handle was Colgate mint (it was a paste and was a really light blue/green). It wasn't so minty as spearminty so it wasn't bad. Hope this helps :)

J.

I haven't read all of the responses, so I may be repeating what someone already said, but I've heard from friends that Cinnamon flavor helps. Good luck!

What about what our grandparents/great grandparents did years ago...make a baking soda paste using water. It's a little salty to the tastebuds, and gritty, but it does the job. If you want an extra boost, (use this very sparinggly)a drop but no more of peroxide can act as a disinfectant and whitening agent. Be careful not to swallow as peroxide is a stomach irritant. Some good recipe links from holistic health sites are listed below;

http://mizar5.com/homemade.html
http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf39809804.tip.html

I could not use toothpaste with any of my pregnancies and that was fine. With the last, I couldnt even use a toothbrush and just used a wet wash cloth and my finger. I couldnt use mouthwash either, still cant and my youngest is 5! I still gag almost every time I brush my teeth, too. Just do what you can to get by. Hopefully when you are further along, it will lessen or go away. If not, just do the best you can.
S.

Maybe Tom's of Maine Natural type
http://www.tomsofmaine.com
You might even email them!
first!

Toothpaste (Fluoride) · Natural Clean & Gentle Care SLS-Free Anticavity plus Dry Mouth Soother Fluoride Toothpaste

There is a Premade Baking Soda Toothpaste made by the same company that puts in boxes for refrigerators so easier to handle and use, also. It is Critical your teeth remain clean and not have to have a dental filling etc in the last term of your pregnancy! Also get your teeth cleaned and polished with a Dental Hygenist soon! There is condition anyone would not wish on a pregnant woman but unfortunately is does occur! Pregnancy Gingivitis which swells up the gum fiercly. Keeping the teeth clean at least 2x per day and flossing daily is critical. Maybe keep your chin down when brushing so it is less likely to go down your throat! ALso brush gently your tongue! We ONLY need a Drop of toothpaste on a brush not what they show in commercials a ribbon of it! that will help also not having so much of it in your mouth! Good Luck! Hope this helps. Just found this one too from a study on Tomsofmaine website:

The Natural Dentist Healthy Teeth & Gums Original Toothpaste - Orange Zest - 5oz 5 oz (236.6 ml) sold on drugstore.com and many other sites.

Maybe try baby toothpaste. Also my dentist told me if I can't brush with toothpaste to just brush without it. Also to gargle with warm salty water to get any bacteria out. I had a horrible gag reflex when I was pregnant with my second.

I had the same problem when I was pregnant too! I used Crest Lemon Burst toothpaste for my whole pregnancy because I couldn't handle the minty stuff.

Good luck!

W., hello, its funny how they even allow toothpaste in the stores, if you read any label on toothpaste it is a poison, it says keep out reach of children if ingested seak poison control, read your label you might feel better about not using it,or not being able to use it, although i use it, and all of americans everywhere use it, if its making your puke dont do it, buy a really good gum like orbit and maybe a mouth wash, and do that, instead of brushing, any way , do what you gotta do, and read that label, i know my kids cant do flouride, it makes them puke, and flouride is also a chemical bad for you , however it does help teeth somehow, but any way, being pregnant all sorts of things affect yah, maybe that feeling will go away , and you will be brushing again maybe?! D. s enjoy life,

Hi, might I suggest baking soda, right out of the box? The contents are abrasive for cleaning, without the minty taste :-)

IANAD but how about getting a Waterpik? You can use the waterpik and then brush with a fluoride-free toothpaste called Peelu (available at most health-food stores--you can get licorice flavor). Teeth can sure change during pregnancy, so whatever you do make sure you take a trip to the dentist's so you can make sure everything is all right. Congratulations on your pregnancy!

If you can't find any toothpaste that works, you could try the old trick...baking soda paste!

Arm & Hammer toothpaste? They make a really plain one. If worse come to worst, just mix a little baking soda with water & put it on your toothbrush :)

I would try brushing with your finger instead of a brush. Or try a kids (smaller, softer) toothbrush or silicone training toothbrush too. They also make those disposable things that slip over your fingertip. I think they are pre-loaded with minty flavor, but I bet you could rinse it out before you use them. That would give you something a little more abrasive.

If any of those things work, then you could try adding kids toothpaste later. My vote is for Tom's Silly Strawberry. A favorite of DS (and me sometimes, I'll admit). Crest also makes a cinnamon flavor that isn't too strong.

Tom's of Maine makes a very mild strawberry toothpaste. When i was having trouble gagging when brushing during pregnancy, i was very careful when brushing my back teeth, just a gentle swipe.

You could also try a natural, organic toothpaste. Whole Foods has some very good ones; the one I currently like is Apricot flavored and is by Tom's of Maine. There could be an ingredient (maybe even the Flouride) that just plain doesn't like you right now while you're pregnant. You will need to read the packages carefully, though, as not all of the toothpastes are Flouride free.

Also, using just Baking Soda will help clean the teeth. I know, it isn't the best tasting, but I've resorted to using Baking Soda once or twice and, aside from the icky taste, it was a surprisingly good cleaner.

I have always gagged on my toothbrush, but I couldn't brush my teeth at all through most of my pregnancy. Instead, I used mouthwash. I also have a problem with mint, but there are non-minty flavors.

You have had some fantastic suggestions and I hope some are working for you! I am a Dental Hygienist and my suggestion would be to first, gargle with a small amount of warm salt water. Just a SMALL pinch of salt to water (about 1/4 tsp to 8 oz. water). This should help knock that gag reflex out for a time. Then, I would try the Tom's of Maine toothpastes - they are fantastic and there are many other flavors that you may not react to. Cinnamon is a flavor that is often "safe". BUT, if none of these suggestions work, it is PERFECTLY fine to brush with no toothpaste at all. It is the MECHANICAL action of brushing that gets the plaque off the tooth. The simple act of the toothbrush is sufficient if that is all you can do. Another thing that can help during this time is Xylitol. You can get it in the healthfood stores and use it in water as a swish; the company Spry carries gums and a mouthwash and toothpaste that can be found at many local stores/health food stores. Xylitol is a sugar-free NATURAL sweetener that actually KILLS the bacteria that cause both decay AND periodontal disease! It is a fantastic adjunct for ANYONE to add to their dental hygiene routine. I use it DAILY for my daughter to help prevent cavities! Not to mention, it is sweet and she LOVES it:-)

Hope this helps!
DEB

How about cinnamon flavor? I would try a coop, they have more natural choices and maybe more flavors too.

W., I had the same problem when I was pregnant with my 4th. I found if took a Vit B6 (doctors suggestion) before bed that my morning sickness was better and then toothbrush touching my tongue wasn't always an issue. Also, I found if I could wait to brush a bit later in the day it was also less of a factor (about an hour after breakfast).

Good luck - you are amazing to be able to handle six children.

Hi W.! I used to gag when brushing too, I just hated it! I used an all-natural toothpaste called Tom's of Maine (I think?, I found it at Walmart. It is very mildy minty but quite bland, plus it is natural which is great for your pregnancy. Good luck!