Along with body and hormonal changes, you might have to deal with gum disease and cavities if good oral hygiene is neglected during pregnancy. According to CDC, Gingivitis, an early stage of periodontal disease, affects nearly 60% to 75% of pregnant women. So maintaining good oral hygiene should be one of your top priorities during pregnancy. Choosing safe toothpaste during the early days of pregnancy will be a good starting point.
But how do you know which toothpaste is safe to use during pregnancy? A good option is to go for natural or fluoride-free toothpaste. Below, you will learn everything from maintaining good oral hygiene during pregnancy to the best pregnancy-safe toothpaste and mouthwash of 2023.
How to maintain oral hygiene during pregnancy?
Hormonal changes during pregnancy can wreak havoc on your emotions and increase the risk of certain dental issues. Hence it is imperative to maintain good oral health during pregnancy. Here are some expert tips on how to look after your teeth during pregnancy:
Use a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush: A soft-bristled toothbrush can help prevent gum irritation, especially since your gums may be more sensitive during pregnancy.
Use Fluoride-Free Toothpaste: Although fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities, experts recommend using fluoride-free toothpaste while pregnant.
Drink Enough Water: Did you know that drinking plenty of water is good for oral health? Water helps rinse away bacteria and can help with dry mouth, which is common during pregnancy.
Maintain a Balanced Diet: Instead of excessive sugary snacks and beverages, try a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and dairy products.
Use Mouthwash: If your dentist recommends, use an alcohol-free mouthwash to help control bacteria and maintain fresh breath.
Is whitening toothpaste safe while pregnant?
As an expecting mom, you might wonder whether teeth bleaching is safe during pregnancy. It seems researchers don’t have enough data on this topic. However, there is no harm in using over-the-counter teeth bleaching or whitening products.
Thankfully, teeth-whitening toothpaste is unlikely to have any risk during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Toothpaste ingredients to avoid when pregnant
There are some toothpaste ingredients to avoid when pregnant.
You should try to find toothpaste without fluoride in it. Though fluoride is an excellent mineral agent for preventing cavities and tooth decay, it might exacerbate toxicity during pregnancy.
Next, try to avoid toothpaste with SLS and Carrageenan in it. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, also known as SLS, might cause allergic reactions. Meanwhile, carrageenan can cause digestive problems and skin rashes. We recommend asking your OB/GYN if you have questions about certain ingredients in your personal care products during pregnancy.
Also, the flavors and taste of your toothpaste might affect your mood during pregnancy. Therefore, consider these things before getting one.
Thankfully, there are some brands that make fluoride-free and natural toothpaste, which are ideal for pregnant women. Check out our expert-picked pregnancy-safe toothpaste, formulated with mostly naturally derived and organic ingredients.
Best Pregnancy-Safe Toothpaste: Boka Ela Mint Natural Toothpaste
If you are looking for safe toothpaste during pregnancy, look no further. Here’s an excellent non-toxic and fluoride-free toothpaste from Boka. The Ela Mint Natural Toothpaste features Boka’s revolutionary Nano-Hydroxyapatite formula for maximum protection against teeth damage and decay. The formula is rich in antioxidants and prebiotics, so you no longer have to depend on fluoride and toxic ingredients to make your teeth whiter, stronger, and glossier.
Why this is our top pick:
Our experts found it is a genuinely effective yet safe toothpaste that you can use while expecting as an alternative to fluoride toothpaste. It contains ingredients that are mostly found on tooth enamel. Effective as much as fluoride, the science-backed formula removes stubborn stains without causing any damage to the enamel.
The formula is free from harsh components like SLS, parabens, and artificial flavors. It is also vegan and cruelty-free. No wonder why it has a very low toxicity score (3) on EWG.
It has a minty flavor that doesn’t seem too empowering. From normal to sensitive teeth, this holistic cleaning formula does the job without toxins. “It’s the only toothpaste I’ve ever used that had such visible results!” one Amazon reviewer raved.
Flavor: Ela Mint
Key Ingredients: Nano-hydroxyapatite, Aloe vera, Xylitol, Green tea, and Mint
Best Pregnancy-Safe Mouthwash: Tom’s of Maine Natural Wicked Fresh
Multiple clinical studies have shown that mouthwash is fine to use during pregnancy as long as you’re not swallowing it. However, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends using an alcohol-free mouthwash during pregnancy. The good thing is alcohol-free mouthwash is gentler on the gums.
Why this is our top pick:
You might have missed it, but most mouthwash on the market has alcohol in them. If you use mouthwash regularly, it’s more likely that you have used alcohol-rich mouthwash before. Keeping pregnant women and conscious consumers in mind, Tom’s of Maine has come up with a safe formula that is 100% fluoride and alcohol-free. It is Tom’s of Maine Natural Wicked Fresh Mouthwash.
Not just free from harsh ingredients, this mouthwash utilizes natural ingredients to leave a lasting clean, fresh feel in your mouth. Also, you are less likely to experience any bad aftertaste like regular mouthwash. However, it comes at a hefty price.
The American Dental Association (ADA) doesn’t recommend bleaching or whitening your teeth during pregnancy; instead, it encourages safe, natural ways to keep teeth clean and glossy throughout pregnancy. That’s why we highly recommend Hello Oral Care Naturally Whitening Toothpaste for pregnant women. Not just naturally whitens teeth, this vegan, cruelty-free fluoride toothpaste also helps eliminate bad breath and cleanse the teeth at the same time.
The oral care brand utilizes a peppermint and tea tree oil blend, a well-known formula in toothpaste, to eliminate bad breath. The formula also contains a calcium mineral blend to increase its natural whitening capabilities. You will be glad to know that it’s a toxin-free toothpaste. It doesn’t contain SLS and other harsh ingredients. Moreover, the vegan-friendly brand discourages harming animals.
Finally, the minty-flavored toothpaste isn’t strong enough to make you feel uncomfortable while brushing your teeth. And there is no aftertaste while using this toothpaste.
If you can’t stand the medicine-like taste and all the chemicals in regular fluoride toothpaste, good news for you. Auromere has a few herbal toothpaste varieties with clean ingredients.
This Auromere Ayurvedic Herbal Toothpaste contains natural ingredients like organic neem, peelu, walnuts, and almonds. Also, it has a natural mintyfresh flavor that tastes great.
Auromere Herbal Toothpaste contains a combination of 24 different herbal extracts that have been carefully chosen for their Ayurvedic properties. Each ingredient offers specific benefits to ensure optimal oral hygiene. The natural formula is fluoride, gluten, and SLS-free. EWG rates it 3 on a scale of 10 ( 1 means the lowest and 10 means the highest toxic).
Thanks to the herbal blend, the formula also works great with sensitive teeth. And you will be glad to know that all the Auromere tubes come at a reasonable price and last more than the regular ones.
Flavor: Mint
Key Ingredients: Organic neem, Peelu, Walnuts, and Almonds
Marvis is a well-known dental brand. During pregnancy, it’s ideal to use products from reputed brands. Marvis Classic Strong Mint Toothpaste is a premium toothpaste that’s worth the extra price. It clears up plaque, germs and kills odor-causing bacteria without causing any irritation. Formulated for gentle cleansing, a blend of sorbitol and glycerin cleans without softening or damaging your tooth enamel.
The taste is what makes it different from regular toothpaste. It has a unique aftertaste to keep up with the change in your sense of taste during pregnancy. “For what it’s worth, the toothpaste is delicious and refreshing. The best I’ve ever tasted,” one happy user remarked.
The peppermint flavor is unique and strong. There are a wide variety of flavors. Whatever you select, you will enjoy the taste each time you clean your teeth with this toothpaste. They provide the lasting refreshment you need during pregnancy. If you’re unsure about what flavor to choose from, go for the Marvis Toothpaste Flavor Collection Gift Set.
Flavor: Mint
Key Ingredients: Aluminum Hydroxide, Aqua (Water), Sorbitol, Glycerin, Silica
Tom’s of Maine has several toothpaste varieties for kids of different ages and adults with common dental issues. Here is the Rapid Relief version that is also a safe choice for pregnant women. Not only the toothpaste comes with a fluoride-free formula, but it is also free from artificial preservatives, colors or flavors. Moreover, Tom’s toothpaste is cruelty-free and B-corporation certified.
One of the key components is calcium carbonate, which is one of the gentler abrasive agents that cleans teeth well without causing any damage to the enamel. The Arginine and Calcium Carbonate combo utilized in this toothpaste is proven effective for preventing cavities and minimizing tooth sensitivity.
As the name suggests, it’s ideal for people who want fast relief from tooth sensitivity. But anyone can use it, from older kids to adults. The minty flavor of the toothpaste feels great and lasts on your mouth for a while.
Davids Natural Whitening Toothpaste only contains ingredients that are ultra-effective yet safe for pregnant women. Free from SLS and synthetic fragrances, the gentle formula of this toothpaste helps protect the enamel and brighten teeth at the same time.
Even though it is a fluoride-free toothpaste, it works great to fight cavities. It’s sugar-free, thanks to the natural alternatives used by Davids. They use xylitol to keep the bacteria away from the teeth. It is a natural alternative to sugar, usually derived from birch trees or corn.
Moreover, it comes with a peppermint flavor. If you are suffering from dry mouth or sensitive gum symptoms, you will feel relieved within a few days of usage. So instead of going for toothpaste with fake components or abrasive formulas that can damage tooth enamel, spare a few extra bucks to get this Davids Natural Whitening Toothpaste.
Dr. Bronner’s – All-One Toothpaste
Well-known personal care brand Dr. Bronner’s is popular among parents. You might have used personal care products from Dr. Bronner before. Now, try this natural toothpaste from the same brand.
With Dr. Bronner’s – All-One Toothpaste, you can expect the same high standard set by the brand. The pack comes with three natural flavor varieties from three different essential oils.
Each tube is loaded with mostly organic ingredients, such as hydrated silica, calcium carbonate, baking soda, plus potassium cocoate. All these high-quality ingredients make a simple yet effective formula that helps fight cavities and freshen your breath. Free of artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, or sweeteners, it makes your teeth clean without harsh additives. No wonder why this toothpaste works great for sensitive teeth as well.
Cali White Vegan Toothpaste
Are you a fan of vegan health products? Here’s a toothpaste for pregnant women that is free from all sorts of harsh ingredients.
Infused with B12, the Cali White Vegan Toothpaste can work as an energy booster for pregnant and breastfeeding moms. You will also love the fact that it’s GMO, gluten, SLS, and fluoride-free.
The Malibu mint flavor isn’t overbearing. The flavor comes from a blend of essential oils. Only filled with natural ingredients, this toothpaste contains natural sweeteners such as xylitol and stevia.
Furthermore, it can remove stains caused by drinking coffee andtea during pregnancy. It is available in a 4 Ounce Tube
Dr. Sheffield’s Certified Natural Toothpaste
This natural toothpaste for pregnant moms has a surprisingly fresh feeling. Like regular toothpaste, it isn’t loaded with damaging chemicals. It is fluoride-free and natural, with no synthetic ingredients that could harm pregnant women. Know that it does contain artificial preservatives, colors, flavors, and sweeteners.
This natural toothpaste removes plaques and protects the enamel from damage. All the natural ingredients give the toothpaste a cool, refreshing taste that keeps your mouth fresh and clean throughout the day. It also has excellent packaging.
Other than pretty packaging, this natural toothpaste comes in seven different flavors. What’s more, some of them have teeth-whitening functions. And the formula has the highest quality ingredients, so you can feel safe while using this toothpaste.
When buying personal care products during pregnancy, you might be wary before trusting a brand or product. The good news is it is a certified natural toothpaste by the Natural Products Association(NPA). Overall, Dr. Sheffield’s certified natural toothpaste is worth trying out!
Himalaya Whitening Toothpaste
And lastly, a whitening toothpaste from Himalaya. Himalaya Whitening Toothpaste utilizes a proven safe and effective teeth-whitening formula. The formula is gentle, so it is less likely to cause tooth sensitivity. Also, it is rich in ingredients that help restore tooth enamel and fight against cavities.
Along with plant-based enzymes from papaya and pineapple, natural ingredients such as neem and pomegranate have made it one of the cleanest toothpaste out there. Neem leaf extract offers durable protection against cavity and gum disease. And the blend of pomegranate and fruit enzymes helps remove surface stains. So your teeth not only look clean and fresh but also whiter and stronger.
You will like its natural minty flavor from Mint essential oil. Lastly, but most importantly, it’s cheap yet gets the job done without nasty ingredients and additives such as fluoride, triclosan, sulfates, charcoal, dyes, and gluten.
Conclusion
Remember that good oral health is important for both you and your baby’s well-being. So it’s best to clean your teeth with safe toothpaste during pregnancy. The good news is you don’t have to spend hours trying to find your new favorite toothpaste during pregnancy.
Whether you prefer minted, mint-free, or natural toothpaste, you will find one from our above list.
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