How to Choose Pregnancy Safe Toothpaste

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• What changes occur during pregnancy that effect oral health?
• Is fluoride safe during pregnancy?
• How can I choose a pregnancy safe toothpaste?

Why is Dental Care so Important During Pregnancy?

During pregnancy the placenta produces high levels of estrogen and progesterone.  This can lead to an increased risk of gingivitis, or gum inflammation.  Pregnancy gingivitis occurs in about 40% of pregnant women.  Gums become red, swollen, and often bleed.  This damage to the tissue can lead to systematic periodontal disease that can cause pregnancy complications.

This is why it is so important to continue regular dental care during pregnancy and choose pregnancy safe toothpaste!

What Effects do Nausea & Vomiting Have on Tooth Health?

Morning sickness will be seen in about 70% of pregnancies.  The is any form of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, not just solely in the morning.  Vomiting increases the acidic environment in the mouth and can affect your normal dental hygiene as it can erode the enamel layer on your teeth.  If you are not brushing sufficiently during that time it can lead to serious damage to your teeth.  This is one reason why good dental hygiene is so important during pregnancy.

Other Reasons for Dental Problems During Pregnancy?

• Increased bleeding may lead women to brush less.  This can lead to increase of bacterial plaque buildup.  More mouth care is needed during this time, not less!
• Saliva flow decreases.  With the decrease of saliva dental cavities will increase unless your dental care increases.
• Poor nutritional choices.  Due to nausea, cravings, or lack of access to proper nutritional education and access can lead to an increase in foods that contribute to poor dental health.

Is Fluoride Safe During Pregnancy?

When it comes to fluoride use in pregnancy there is no clear answer on the safety of it’s use. 

 In the US we have been adding fluoride to our water systems since the 1940s due to the fact that it was decreasing cavities in children.  If you look at efficacy of fluoride use in our water system you will actually see that other countries that don’t put fluoride in their water have also seen a decrease in cavities as well.  This could be due to increased use of fluoride treatments in dental work, mouthwash, and toothpaste. So does it also need to be in our water?  Maybe not? 

Research is sparse in both sides.  You can find studies that suggest fluoride use in pregnancy can cause a decrease in IQ for your children and you can find studies to support the use of fluoride.  The studies against fluoride use are usually looking at fluoride within water sources and high exposure to fluoride not specifically in our personal care products.

Obviously more studies need to be done before we can say one way or the other.  It is really your choice to decide whether you feel comfortable using products with fluoride during your pregnancy.  Many natural non toxic products are not putting fluoride in their products.

Fluoride in topical use is designated as a Category B pregnancy risk.  This means that there are no human studies but it was determined to be safe for use in animal studies with no fetal risk.  That is in the case of things like mouthwash or toothpaste that is not ingested.

If you are unsure speak with your dental provider to discuss the risks and benefits.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hI4kpvW760M&t=143s

How Do You Choose a Pregnancy Safe Toothpaste?

It is important to read the labels on the products that you purchase during pregnancy especially, but I would argue all the time.  The things that we put into and on our bodies can pass into our blood stream in a variety of ways, and should be considered when choosing the products we will consume and use.

Ingredients to Avoid

Here are some common problematic ingredients that can often be found in some toothpaste:

• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) or Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate: this is a surfactant that reduces the surface tension between ingredients, which  is why it is used as a cleaning and foaming agent in many products.  SLS can be very irritating and harmful to our tissues.  With gum tissue that is already quite tender during pregnancy this can exacerbate some issues you already have. Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate can also break down into cancer-causing chemicals such as nitrosamines.
• Parabens: These are often placed in products due to their ability to work as preservatives and kill bacteria.  However, they are linked to hormone disruption and can lead to decreased fertility, cause harm to reproductive organs, affect birth outcomes, and increase risk of cancer.
• Titanium Dioxide: This is one ingredient that is still questionable.   Some research suggests the nanoparticles are able to penetrate your gums and have toxic effects to your brain and cause nerve damage.  It is also possibly carcinogenic.  So it might be best to avoid products with this ingredient until further research is done.
• Polyethylene Glycol (PEGs): These are petroleum based polymers and have also been linked to endocrine disruption.  
• Artificial Colors: AC are going to make the product more colorful, which is really unnecessary.  Artificial colors are linked to hyperactivity in children and can cause cancer.  
• Saccharin & Sorbitol: These are both artificial sweeteners.  Saccharin has been linked to bladder cancer and Sorbitol is also a laxative.
• Triclosan: this is an antibacterial chemical that is toxic and can disrupt your hormones.  It reduces thyroid hormones, which can cause negative health outcomes for you and your growing fetus.
• Hydrated silica: this is added to toothpaste to polish and whiten teeth.  It has the same particles commonly found in the “Do Not Eat” packets.  It is abrasive and can actually damage tooth enamel.  It scratches the surface of the tooth and prevents re-mineralization.  Over time this can allow bacteria to get into these exposed cracks and cause more damage.  However, the FDA certifies it as safe and it is often chosen to be added to toothpaste formulations because it does not react to other ingredients and is better at whitening teeth than alternative options.
• Carrageenan: it is derived from seaweed but can cause inflammation of the GI tract.  Leading to possible cases of ulcers or colon cancer. 
• Alcohol: Alcohol is drying and can decrease the amount of saliva in your mouth.  Pregnancy hormones already lead to a dryer mouth so we don’t need any help in this department.  Saliva is needed to rise out unwanted bacteria that can cause damage to your teeth and gums.

6 Best Options for Pregnancy-Safe Toothpaste

Great oral care during pregnancy starts with daily care of your teeth and gums.  That includes a healthy diet (avoiding sugary foods), choosing safe dental products, and regular dental visits.  Dental professionals can help identify issues through dental x-rays and exams but what you do on a daily basis has a much bigger affect on prevention of dental issues.  That is why we have put together this list of safe healthy pregnancy safe toothpastes to prevent future problems.  

Uncle Harry’s Natural Products

Radius

Essential Oxygen

Himalaya Botanique

Better and Better

Pregnancy Safe Hydroxyapatite Toothpastes

Studies are demonstrating HAP toothpastes are effective at remineralization of enamel lesions and preventing/reducing demineralization of teeth. It is showing to be superior to fluoride in it’s ability to prevent cavities. Unlike fluoride it doesn’t have the toxic effects if ingested in high quantities. So far research suggests it is safe for children although it has not yet been FDA certified. There has been some question of it’s overall safety when in its nano form, making it a controversial choice.

It has been used in both the dental and medical field since the 1950s to fill and repair bone defects. It has many applications but is now being used in toothpaste as an alternative to fluoride. It is again a bit controversial so use your judgment when deciding if you feel comfortable purchasing toothpaste with Hydroxyapatite.

Many toothpastes with hydroxyapatite include ingredients that are more abrasive including silica or hydrated silica.  It is an ingredient that I try to avoid as it can damage tooth enamel.  Learn more about it here. It is rare to find hydroxyapatite without some form of silica.  So although all other toothpastes on this list avoid any of the harmful ingredients listed earlier in the article this is an exception.

Wellnesse

Final Thoughts

There is a lot of controversy when it comes to toothpaste ingredients and what is considered safe. I hope this list has made one healthier choice that much easier for you. Swapping out toxic products during your pregnancy for non toxic options is so beneficial for you and your baby. This list will give you the best pregnancy safe toothpastes that are currently on the market. Although most of these non toxic brands are more than you will spend on your generic toothpaste brands, remember your long term health and the health of you baby is worth the extra cost. Don’t skimp on your oral health during pregnancy, because it can have some long term effects. Happy brushing Mama!