What Kind of Toothpaste Should I Use When Pregnant?

Are you worried that the type of toothpaste you use could be harmful to yourself or your unborn child? If so, you aren’t alone. Many mothers-to-be are worried about whether the ingredients in their toothpaste could cause their child to develop birth defects and other health problems.

Hancock Village Dental doesn’t want you to have to worry about whether or not the toothpaste you are using is safe. Read ahead to discover why mothers-to-be are concerned about using toothpaste while pregnant and find out what, if any, types of toothpaste are safe to use.

Expectant Mothers are Concerned about Fluoride Use

Expectant mothers are concerned about using fluoride while pregnant. They are concerned because some news articles and websites claim that fluoride use can be directly linked to premature births, birth defects, and even cancer. Mothers-to-be believe that when they use fluoride-based products, such as mouthwash or toothpaste, it could directly impact the growth, development, and health of their unborn baby.

No Research or Study Shows a Direct Link Between Fluoride Use and Problems with Pregnancy

The concern about using fluoride-based dental products while pregnant has only been around for several years. Since it is a relatively new concern there hasn’t been a lot of time to conduct studies that will determine if there is a link between fluoride use and problems with pregnancy.

Over the years a few studies have looked into how fluoride use impacts pregnancy. These studies were unable to prove that fluoride causes any type of birth defects or health problems.

Using Fluoride Toothpastes and Mouthwashes May Improve the Health of Your Baby’s Teeth

Around the third month of your pregnancy, your baby will start to develop teeth. Using toothpaste and mouthwashes that contain fluoride can help improve the health and strength of your baby’s teeth.  

Still Concerned? Use a Fluoride-Free Toothpaste

Don’t just completely stop using toothpaste if you have concerns about how it will impact the health of your child. Instead, switch the toothpaste you use from a brand that uses fluoride to one that is fluoride-free.

A fluoride-free brand of toothpaste will still remove plaque and bacteria that may be present in your mouth but it won’t contain the main ingredient that you are concerned will impact your child’s health.

Finding a fluoride-free brand of toothpaste is relatively easy. Most manufacturers list the toothpaste’s ingredients on the back of the box. Fluoride, if it is present in the toothpaste, will be listed as one of the ingredients. If you have problems finding fluoride-free toothpaste, call your dentist’s office and ask which brand they recommend.

Things to Do to Keep Your Teeth and Gums Healthy While Pregnant

Mothers-to-be need to keep their teeth and gums healthy. If they don’t brush or floss daily or schedule regular appointments for a professional cleaning, gum disease could develop. If left untreated gum disease could cause a number of problems ranging from premature births to birth defects.

Some ways to keep your teeth and gums healthy while pregnant include:

Brushing at least three times a day
Scheduling regular professional cleanings with your dentist
Flossing at least daily
Following through with any recommended dental treatment you may need such as a deep cleaning or fillings
Avoiding teeth whitening – no studies indicate there are problems with whitening your teeth while pregnant, but most dentists recommend you avoid teeth whitening until after your pregnancy
Eating a well-balanced diet
Schedule an Appointment with Your Dentist to Discuss How to Care for Your Teeth and Gums During Pregnancy

Many mothers-to-be, especially first-time mothers, will schedule a routine examination within the first few weeks of finding out they are pregnant. This type of appointment gives them an opportunity to discuss any concerns they may have and to have the health of their teeth and gums checked.

Need to schedule an appointment for an examination to discuss how to keep your teeth and gums healthy during pregnancy? Call Hancock Village Dental today to schedule an appointment. Our dental staff will not only make sure your teeth and gums are healthy, but we will provide you with recommendations for things you can do to make sure your teeth and gums are as healthy as possible throughout your pregnancy.