As a pregnant woman, it’s understandable that you are cautious about everything that you use for yourself at this time in your life.
What can you read in this article?
- Why fluoride free?
- What should you look for in toothpaste?
- 7 fluoride-free toothpaste brands for pregnant women
- Remedies for dental hygiene problems faced by moms-to-be
It’s ideal to use items for your personal hygiene that are natural and chemical-free so as not to pose any risks for the baby growing inside you.
Surely, you have examined the must-haves in your skincare routine and makeup. But have you checked the oral-health essentials you’re using? To help you, we’ve rounded up 7 fluoride free toothpaste for moms-to-be.
Why fluoride free?
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Did you know that there’s a link between premature births and gum disease among pregnant women? According to a study from the Journal of Clinical Periodontology, “women who entered labor early were one and half times more likely to have gum disease than women who experienced a perfect pregnancy." Therefore, when you have a bun in the oven, it’s important not to neglect oral health as well.
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral in food and water. In normal circumstances, fluoride is used to strengthen the teeth and prevent tooth decay.
However, a study has shown that fluoride exposure during pregnancy can decrease the IQ of their children. Caution must be observed, though.
If you’re reducing your fluoride consumption, make sure you are taking care of your oral health by brushing properly, flossing, and getting dental checkups.
What should you look for in toothpaste?
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Keep your dental health in check. Look for the following in the toothpaste you’ll be using:
- Fluoride free – There are toothpaste brands available now that don’t contain fluoride.
- Ingredients – Ensure that these are alcohol-free and only uses natural ingredients.
- Price – Dental health is paramount, but you can find a toothpaste that you’ll be comfortable spending on.
7 fluoride-free toothpaste brands for pregnant women
Now that we know how to choose the best pregnancy safe toothpaste, here are our recommendations:
Best for Pregnant Moms
As its name suggests, Mama’s Choice toothpaste was specially formulated for expectant mothers, so you can’t go wrong with this one. Using ingredients that have been carefully selected to support oral health, Mama’s Choice is not only safe for pregnancy but also for postpartum and breastfeeding.
Features we love
- Fluoride free
- Non-fluoride toothpaste that lessens plaque formation and fights tooth decay
- Ingredients
- No harmful chemicals and unnatural additives
- No fluoride, sodium lauryl sulfate, or triclosan
- Has allantoin and miswak to soothe inflamed gums and reduce bacterial growth
Best Cruelty-free Toothpaste
Those who love natural products already have Himalaya products in their beauty arsenal. This toothpaste from the brand is fluoride-free, triclosan-free, and SLS-free.
Features we love
- Fluoride free
- A clean toothpaste that contains no fluoride
- Ingredients
- No SLS or harsh abrasives but still tastes and foams well
- Fluoride-free, triclosan-free, gluten-free, and SLS-free
- Contains neem for thorough cleaning
- Pomegranate for its cleansing properties
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Best Flouride-free with Vitamin C Toothpaste
This non-fluoride toothpaste contains a proprietary blend of 14 naturally effective plant and herb extracts that keep the mouth clean. It also contains Vitamin C and Xylitol for your pearly whites. You can find this in most drugstores and supermarkets nationwide.
Features we love
- Fluoride free
- No fluoride in this toothpaste
- Ingredients
- Free from artificial colors, preservatives, fluoride, and SLS
- Only powerful natural extracts at work to help promote strong teeth and gums
- These ingredients also help whiten the teeth without any harsh chemicals
Best Alternative for Toothpaste
This is not your usual toothpaste, and that’s what’s fun about it. Nibble these in between your teeth to clean. Lush’s Toothy Tabs are free from harmful ingredients. Featuring gunpowder tea and charcoal, it gives you fresh breath and takes care of your teeth.
Features we love
- Fluoride free
- Lush dental health products do not contain fluoride
- Ingredients
- Dicalcium Phosphate Anhydrous, Sodium Bicarbonate, Cream of Tartar, Kaolin, Fine Sea Salt, Persian Lime Oil, Aniseed Oil, Black Pepper Oil, Benzoin Resinoid, Powdered Gunpowder Tea, Citral, Limonene
Best All-Natural Toothpaste
Green Beaver says this toothpaste is so natural, you can eat it—not that they would advise you to. It contains natural cleansing ingredients like xylitol, lemon, and tea tree extracts.
Features we love
- Fluoride free
- Ingredients
- Natural cleaning agents like xylitol, lemon, and tea tree extracts
- It has natural mineral whiteners like silica and calcium bicarbonate
- Natural vitamin C for development of teeth and gums
Best Antibacterial Toothpaste
Here’s another toothpaste that features the ingredient Neem, also known as the Ayurvedic “toothbrush" because it neutralizes bacteria while cleansing the teeth. Moreover, no animal testing was done for this product.
Features we love
- Fluoride free
- Fluoride free natural toothpaste
- Ingredients
- Contains baking soda, sea salt, and essential oil of wintergreen for a gentle yet effective clean
- Gluten-free
- Wintergreen for a refreshing flavor
- Neem to keep teeth and gums healthy
- Australian tea tree oil to defend against sugar acids
Best for Cavity Prevention
Jason is a brand that has been around since 1959. This line of natural wellness products has its non-fluoride toothpaste with tea tree oil as its main ingredient. It also has a dash of cinnamon for a fresh breath.
Features we love
- Fluoride free
- Ingredients
- Tea tree oil for its antimicrobial and antiseptic properties
- Grapeseed and perilla seed extracts to reduce tartar buildup
- Aloe vera to soothe gum irritation
- Cinnamon for fresh breath
Price Comparison
Here is a compilation of fluoride-free toothpastes in the Philippines to help you choose the right product.
Remedies for dental hygiene problems faced by moms-to-be
Pregnancy can make dental hygiene more complicated. Here are some solutions to problems you may experience as an expecting mommy.
Pregnancy Problem No. 1: The Taste/Smell of Toothpaste Makes Me Sick
You may experience changes in taste and smell, which is why flavors or smells you previously found delicious can now make you feel sick. Some pregnant women find the mint flavor and smell of most toothpaste products overwhelming, which is why they might think of skipping brushing altogether.
Solution: Try switching to a non-mint flavor such as cinnamon, lemon, or watermelon. There are child-friendly toothpaste brands that offer a variety of flavors in milder concentrations, so you can try if those can work for you. You may also try toothpaste brands that are completely flavor-free.
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Pregnancy Problem No. 2: Brushing Makes Me Gag
Morning sickness can strike anytime. Thus, a lot of moms-to-be are afflicted with heightened gag reflex. As a result, brushing teeth could cause dry heaving or lead to vomiting. When you think something will make you sick, you might be tempted to skip brushing your teeth.
Solution: Try to distract yourself. For example, do other actions along with brushing such as counting floor tiles, singing your favorite song in your head, or standing on one foot while brushing. When you put your focus on something completely unrelated to what you’re doing, it might be easier to get through brushing.
If you do vomit, take note that because of its high acidic pH, stomach acid can cause major erosion in your teeth. Use water to rinse your mouth out right away. Then wait 15-30 minutes to let saliva neutralize the acids naturally before brushing your teeth.
Pregnancy Problem No. 3: My Gums Are Swollen
Pregnant women can be afflicted with swollen ankles and feet, as well as gums. You may have a tendency to be more susceptible to oral health issues such as gingivitis which can manifest as red, sensitive gums when you’re pregnant.
Solution: Try using a softer toothbrush. In addition, switch to toothpaste for sensitive teeth so that you can lessen the discomfort of brushing when gums are sore.
Finally, monitoring your diet during pregnancy could make a difference for teeth and gums. You might want to consider taking Vitamins A, vitamin D, and calcium in order to contribute to good oral health.
