What is the best toothpaste to use while pregnant?
Is fluoride toothpaste safe during pregnancy?
These are urgent questions that many expectant mothers ask.
They worry about the health of their baby as well as their own well-being.
That’s why we’ve reviewed the best pregnancy-safe toothpaste today.
Let’s look at the essentials of dental hygiene while you’re expecting.
How to keep yourself and your baby healthy with pregnancy-safe toothpaste
Your dentist is probably going to assure you that brushing with fluoride toothpaste is safe while you’re pregnant (1).
However, there’s a catch. You shouldn’t swallow the toothpaste.
Ingesting fluoride toothpaste increases your consumption of fluoride (even though you’re not eating it on purpose).
Unfortunately, excess fluoride in your diet may lower your child’s intelligence (2).
Therefore, some women choose to avoid fluoride toothpaste during pregnancy. You’ll see a variety of natural fluoride-free toothpaste options below.
But there’s more to worry about besides ingredients.
It’s also crucial to remember that brushing right after vomiting can damage the tooth enamel. The acid weakens it. For that reason, rinse with water and wait about half an hour before you brush.
If you can’t stand the taste in your mouth, put a small amount of toothpaste on your tongue or teeth. Just don’t brush with it yet.
After hearing these concerns, you might wonder if it’s worth it to keep up dental hygiene during pregnancy.
We have to emphasize that it is absolutely essential to keep brushing and flossing.
That’s because expectant mothers with gum disease are likely to give birth prematurely. Their babies may also have a low birth weight (3).
Please, make an effort to keep your teeth clean and your gums healthy. We know it can be challenging at times.
Morning sickness can make it hard to tolerate certain flavors, smells, or textures. Even opening your mouth too wide might be a cue to throw up. But you have solutions.
Purchase a child’s toothbrush as it doesn’t require you to open your mouth as far. Then, experiment with different flavors of toothpaste.
Be sure to visit your dentist for regular checkups. In most cases, the dentist will wait to do x-rays until after the birth (4).
Finally, as you shop for safe and natural toothpaste, remember that some essential oils are no-nos during pregnancy (5).
Stay away from toothpaste that contains rosemary, cinnamon, and clove. All of these oils could cause premature contractions.
But, once you’re in the second trimester, you can enjoy lavender, ginger, eucalyptus, lemon, tea tree, or chamomile.
Best Pregnancy-Safe Toothpaste
Now, let’s go look for some new toothpaste to try.
Tom’s of Maine Toothpaste
Without a doubt, Tom’s of Maine makes the best natural toothpaste for pregnancy.
It’s available in three flavors: peppermint, spearmint, and fennel (similar to licorice).
Many pregnant women trusted as it’s fluoride-free.
Moreover, it whitens teeth by removing surface stains with zinc citrate and baking soda. Then, it contains xylitol to prevent cavities. (The xylitol comes from corn or birch tree sap).
There are no artificial dyes or flavors. For example, the peppermint flavor comes from mentha piperita oil, straight from the plant.
Plus, when you purchase this cruelty-free product, you’ll be donating to charity. Tom’s supports a variety of health, education, and environmental causes.
Burt’s Bees Toothpaste
Burt’s Bees has an advantage that’s worth noting. It carries the ADA Seal of Acceptance. That means it’s legit and dentist-approved.
Furthermore, it doesn’t contain artificial sweeteners, preservatives, artificial colors or flavors, or sodium lauryl sulfate. It’s gentle, pure, and effective all the same.
The minty fresh flavor comes from essential oil and stevia.
Choose Purely White (without fluoride) to brighten your teeth or Enamel Care (with fluoride) to strengthen them. There are also fruity versions for kids made with or without fluoride.
Kiss My Face Sensitive Toothpaste
Hold off on the Kiss My Face toothpaste until your second trimester. It contains tea tree oil.
It’s available in either cooling mint or orange mint flavors. Both have healthy natural ingredients like aloe, olive leaf, echinacea, and xylitol.
The formula fights cavities and fortifies the gums against swelling and infection.
It’s vegan and sulfate-free, too.
JASON Sea Fresh Toothpaste
This refreshing toothpaste is available in Vanilla Peppermint or Sea Fresh Spearmint flavors.
It has no artificial colors, fluoride, gluten, artificial sweeteners, propylene glycol, sulfates, or parabens.
Instead, it uses botanicals like organic aloe gel, parsley, and blue-green algae to whiten the teeth and freshen the breath.
The toothpaste also neutralizes sugar acids that cause tooth decay.
Himalaya Neem and Pomegranate Toothpaste
Not everyone is a fan of baking soda for brushing their teeth. That’s why toothpaste with calcium carbonate exists.
But that’s not the main selling point here. Take a closer look at this option if you love foamy instead of gritty toothpaste.
Without any sulfates or harsh abrasives, this one feels enjoyable to use. It also tastes wonderful if you’re a fan of herbal mint flavor.
Unlike some kinds of toothpaste, it has a long-lasting impact on the way the breath smells.
Moreover, it features neem leaf extract and pomegranate to heal gums and reduce plaque.
This vegetarian product has no sulfates, carrageenan, or fluoride. It’s manufactured in a cGMP facility for quality and safety.
Hyperbiotics Probiotic Activated Charcoal Toothpaste
You’ve heard about it but now’s the time if you haven’t tried it yet. This activated charcoal toothpaste isn’t nearly as abrasive as it sounds.
It doesn’t have to be aggressive as it uses diatomaceous earth and baking soda, too. Together, they whiten the teeth by removing coffee stains and more.
It promotes healthy mouth flora by encouraging helpful microbes. To that end, it has a trademarked ingredient called Dental-Lac. Yes, it’s made with beneficial bacteria.
That’s why it’s gentle on the enamel and excellent for freshening the breath. The toothpaste also helps treat gingivitis.
The sweeteners consist of xylitol and spearmint. There are no GMO ingredients, artificial colors, fluoride, sulfates, gluten, nuts, yeast, soy, or sugar. Therefore, it’s safe enough for the whole family to enjoy.
It’s made in the USA in a GMP facility.
Redmond Earthpaste
How about a natural toothpaste with only 8 ingredients? This one is made in Utah by a manufacturer that owns the clay deposit there.
It’s made from food-grade Redmond clay and salt along with essential oils and xylitol.
As they explain it, it “naturally polishes away surface stains”.
If you swallow it by accident, it won’t hurt you. That’s because it has no fluoride, sulfates, or other artificial ingredients. It’s gluten-free and vegan.
Yes, it looks like mud, but at least it tastes like citrus and herbs. No, it won’t foam up, but it gets the job done, leaving your mouth clean and fresh.
Weleda Natural Salt Toothpaste
German manufacturer Weleda offers this fluoride-free toothpaste that’s certified natural by NATRUE.
It has a salty mint taste that leaves a little tingle behind.
There is no fluoride, sulfates, artificial dyes, or preservatives in it. The grit comes from silica and baking soda.
Dr. Talbot’s Baby Toothpaste
Nuby makes this toothpaste for children. It’s safe to swallow and fluoride-free.
Not only does it freshen the mouth and prevent cavities, but it also forms a protective barrier over the enamel.
There’s no harm in trying it as an adult. It works just as well as other natural toothpaste.
Cali White VEGAN WHITENING TOOTHPASTE
Here’s an exciting concept: Vitamin B12 in your toothpaste. If you hold it under your tongue, it absorbs into the body.
Vitamin B12 gives you more energy. It’s especially helpful for pregnant and breastfeeding moms, vegans, and persons with food allergies.
The version of vitamin B 12 in this toothpaste is methylcobalamin. It’s easy to absorb and made from vegan sources.
Obviously, this is a fluoride-free toothpaste. But it’s also safe from sulfates, gluten, triclosan, peroxide, and parabens. It’s mild enough for kids to use.
Yet, it performs well enough to remove stains caused by coffee and tea.
Users say it has a unique minty flavor that tastes genuine. It’s based on organic peppermint and stevia.
(If you prefer something with less punch, try the activated charcoal toothpaste from the same manufacturer).
If you don’t love the toothpaste, contact the company as they offer a full refund.
Boka Ela Mint Natural Toothpaste
This toothpaste remineralizes teeth with nHa.
It’s a technology used in Japan for over 4 decades.
Nano-hydroxyapatite is a special molecule that can fix cavities. It lessens sensitivity, as well.
This is a technology that’s been featured in Vogue and Forbes magazines.
It won’t conflict with prebiotics or antioxidants. In fact, it’s rich in those very ingredients derived from botanical extracts.
It has green tea, cucumber, avocado, and mango extract, for example. Then, it’s flavored with pure plant oils.
Choose either Coco Ginger or Mint (with green tea and cardamom) flavors.
Dr. Sheffield’s Certified Natural Toothpaste
Did you know that toothpaste was invented in 1850? Before that, people had to brush with powder.
This up-to-date version of the original comes in a variety of flavors like chocolate.
It’s free of fluoride and artificial ingredients, including sulfates. Plus, it’s certified by the Natural Products Association.
TNTN MOM’S – Natural Toothpaste for Pregnant Women
Here’s the toothpaste we recommend for pregnancy nausea. It’s a Korean product with unique ingredients and special features.
First, it’s fortified with vitamin B and folic acid. These promote healthy gums and prevent tooth decay.
Second, it’s safe to use throughout pregnancy and during breastfeeding. It has no fluoride, triclosan, or sulfates.
Third, you can choose between two mild flavors, including grapefruit or Rooibos tea with herbs. Both help avoid morning sickness by not triggering the gag reflex.
Sensodyne Repair & Protect Teeth Whitening Sensitive Toothpaste
Let’s switch gears now and stop avoiding fluoridated toothpaste.
After all, fluoride is the accepted standard for preventing and treating tooth decay. It’s nothing to be afraid of as long as you’re not swallowing it.
Check with your dentist or OB/GYN if you still have concerns.
Sensodyne is an excellent choice if your teeth are extra sensitive. It creates a protective layer to prevent sensations caused by cold or hot drinks.
Not only does it fight cavities, but it also remineralizes them to heal micro-cavities. At the same time, it whitens the teeth and soothes the gums.
For best results, use it twice a day and brush for two minutes each time.
On the downside, this is the typical commercial toothpaste with sodium lauryl sulfate. As a result, it may irritate delicate skin in the corners of the mouth.
If you find yourself unhappy with it, contact the manufacturer within 45 days of purchase for a full refund.
Parodontax Toothpaste for Bleeding Gums, Gingivitis Treatment and Cavity Prevention
Perhaps the best toothpaste for pregnancy gingivitis is Parondontax.
It heals bleeding gums and destroys plaque buildup on teeth. It also kills the bacteria that cause plaque in the first place.
Then, it strengthens the seal between the teeth and gums to prevent infection and swelling.
What’s interesting is that it has no fluoride in it.
Unfortunately, however, it does contain sodium lauryl sulfate.
Plan on using it twice a day for two minutes at a time to get maximum results.
Glide Oral-B Dental Floss
And now, here’s a plug for flossing. My dental hygienist told me that flossing was more crucial than brushing to prevent gum disease.
But many people find flossing painful or difficult. That’s where the Glide floss comes in handy.
It resists breaking, for one. But most importantly, it slides into tight spaces between teeth.
If you don’t like the Scope mint flavor, buy it in an unflavored version. But get it, because flossing is an excellent habit to develop.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, you need to take good care of your teeth and gums while pregnant.
Good dental hygiene has all sorts of benefits as it affects your baby’s health and your own body.
Although regular Colgate or Crest toothpaste is safe to use while you’re expecting, it might not be the best for your situation.
Try a pregnancy-safe toothpaste instead. Then you won’t have to worry about fluoride or flavors that aggravate morning sickness.
Sources:
1. https://www.nationaldentalcare.com.au/article/fluoride-toothpaste-should-you-avoid-it-when-pregnant published May 03, 2020, accessed September 4, 2020
2. https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2019/08/19/752376080/can-maternal-fluoride-consumption-during-pregnancy-lower-childrens-intelligence?t=1599203773221 Can Maternal Fluoride Consumption During Pregnancy Lower Children’s Intelligence? by Richard Harris, published August 19, 2019, accessed September 4, 2020
3. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/teeth-and-gums-pregnant/ published August 19, 2019, accessed September 4, 2020
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3217279/ Periodontitis: A risk for delivery of premature labor and low-birth-weight infants by Rajiv Saini, Santosh Saini, and Sugandha R. Saini in the Journal of Natural Science, Biology, and Medicine 2010 Jul-Dec; 1(1): 40–42, accessed September 4, 2020
5. https://www.parents.com/pregnancy/my-body/pregnancy-health/essential-oils-during-pregnancy-whats-safe-and-what-to-avoid/ published July 30, 2019, accessed September 4, 2020