I'm 5 months pregnant and for about the last 4 months, I cannot brush my teeth w/o vomiting, it's inevitable. It started w/ brushing my tongue, so I've stopped that, I've changed toothpastes, it's not that. My husband thinks I need to use a children's tooth brush but I'm pretty sure it's not the "size that matters" (no pun intended.) I've already dropped to only brushing once a day and it's all I can do to do that because I puke puke puke... Any tips?!?! Also, I'm not nauseous before brushing, so the anti-nausea tips and tricks are useless... -Thanks Ya'All!
2007-08-13 06:10:24 · 15 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
oh man i had the same problem as well when i was pregnant.. what i did was use a lot of mouth wash durin the morning and day, cuz i could only brush at night...when i was less nauseous...
but make sure you floss at that time too, and drink plenty of milk and keep takin your prenatal pills..because i developed a calcium deficiency which caused problems with my teeth... so just a heads up to keep your teeth healthy
hope this helps
2007-08-13 06:17:20 · answer #1 · answered by hOt wAx aNd stApleS 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had the same problem when I was about 5 months pregnant with my first. It wasn't the fact that I was brushing my tongue either, because I stopped doing that and that did not help. I would finish brushing my teeth and about 10 seconds later I would get sick. It was as if my gag reflex kicked in after I brushed my teeth, which made no sense. I thought I was crazy until my aunt told me the same thing happened to her years ago. It didn't last all the way until the end of the pregnancy, it was from about 4-7 months and then by 8 months pregnant I was okay. So, hang in there. It did seem to help not to brush my teeth first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. Just an FYI though, I am 4 months pregnant with my second and it is starting again.
2007-08-13 13:42:00 · answer #2 · answered by rnelson1993 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I Know exactly how you feel! I can't floss, I brush once a day and after I brush I puke! Kinda voids out the brushing! I swish with mouth wash, but can't gargle! It's gross and unfortunately I haven't figured anything out and people just look at me like I'm a freak when I talk about it. Not to mention my gums are bleeding like crazy when I brush too. The only thing I can do is brush real fast, avoid the back teeth til the last second and do this a couple of times a day. But half the time I still get sick. Sorry I could not be of bigger help, but at least you know you are not alone! Good Luck!
2007-08-13 13:19:51 · answer #3 · answered by jenjfrost 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are stimulating the gag reflex by contacting the uvula when you brush your teeth. Until now, you've evidently not been too sensitive to the reflex, but pregnancy sometimes does weird things to women's bodies.
Try bending over the sink while brushing to let all the excess foam run out of your mouth. The foam is filling up the back of your palette and that is where the uvula is. When you get ready to brush your tongue, take a calming breath, expel all of the toothpaste foam, and even rinse out your mouth. Then press the back of your tongue to the roof of your mouth (to protect your uvula) and brush slowly, starting at the tip and working your way further back. You probably won't be able to brush as far back as you want to, but hopefully you will have better luck than you've had lately. What helps me is to rinse well after brushing, and then use mouthwash on my toothbrush to scrub my tongue.
2007-08-13 13:27:23 · answer #4 · answered by artistagent116 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Brush your teeth without the toothpaste, buy a new toothbrush, and brush just with water a couple times of days, that can help you narrow down what is making you sick. Also its an old adage but baking soda and water, thin the baking soda out with water, and add some suger, see if that helps. Or go on a herbal page, and find out how to make your own toothpaste, but it prolly has something to do with baking soda and water. And if it is the toothbrush, maybe go into the baby section, and buy one of those baby brushes that go on your finger, that might help.
2007-08-13 13:17:15 · answer #5 · answered by BluzGirl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am 15 weeks pregnant and have the same problem except for instead of up-shucking, I dry heave. My doc recommended in the morning to use mouth wash instead of brushing and brush at night instead of in the morning. I haven't tried it yet because I just talked to him today but I'm going to give it a shot. Maybe you should try it too?
2007-08-13 13:19:22 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I can't brush my teeth on an empty stomach if that makes since. I bring my brush to work and do it mid morning which I hate but it works. You can also use baking soda to brush instead of tooth paste, it works just as well.
2007-08-13 13:16:39 · answer #7 · answered by Melissa S 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lots of women have this problem! Try switching to a baking soda based toothpaste (Tom's is a good brand). Try not to get something too minty, the mont may be what's causing the vomitting.
Good luck!
2007-08-13 13:18:52 · answer #8 · answered by Meggin M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Are you trying different minty toothpaste or have you tried different flavors!!! I couldn't brush my teeth when I was pregnant without getting sick! My husband went out and bought me closeup and i was finally able to brush them without getting sick, so for me it was the minty flavor!!! Also maybe try children toothpaste maybe that will help!!!!
2007-08-13 13:23:05 · answer #9 · answered by deannafoster1976 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's a tough one..try brushing with only water. If you still get sick, just be sure and brush over the toilet! Sorry, and good luck to you~ :)
2007-08-13 13:17:04 · answer #10 · answered by happyfacemommy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋