The Toothpaste Monster: Tips and Tricks?

[Nanette56]

Ok, The Toothpaste Monster is here. My gag reflexes start even before the toothbrush goes in my mouth, and I throw up immediately after brushing. Has anyone figured out ways to avoid this? I had this with my last PG, and it lasted until about 14 weeks. I would throw up so hard I popped blood vessels in my eyes, and am not really looking forward to another round of this. Any tips, tricks or suggestions? Flavors that are less disgusting than others? Thanks ladies!

[Ambivalent Dreams]

Buble gum flavored toothpaste.

When this was suggested to me I did *not* think it would work. I thought the problem was a reaction to the brushing more than to the toothpaste, but when I decided to try anyway, it helped. It did not make the gagging/throwing up go away, but it did make it better. I gaged and threw up less.

[Liora]

OH I thought I was the only one!

Last pregnancy I had to switch toothpastes until I found a flavor that didn't make me want to hurl (and bubblegum would not have been it for me - gag) and I used VERY little on my brush. I also had to NOT look in the mirror so I could concentrate on not thinking about brushing my teeth. I would keep my tongue in the back of my throat so no toothpaste would hit the back of my mouth and - I'm sorry - no tongue or roof-of-mouth brushing was happening! Honestly, I had to be quick and efficient. I certainly wasn't brushing for 2 minutes like you are supposed to.

With all that I was able to keep from vomiting. This just started for me this weekend this pregnancy - we'll see if I can keep it together!

[MaerynPearl]

I had to use cinnamon flavor.

[jessica_s]

I don't have any tips I'm sorry but can I say I'm so happy for you Nanette!! LOL That sounds messed up but yay for pregnancy!

[lyterae]

I chew a lot of gum because my mouth always feels gross in early pregnancy. I brush my teeth once in the morning before I eat anything, I can't brush any other time of day otherwise I will throw up.

[AFWife]

There are a ton of different flavors you can try...

I just had to do a rinse with mouthwash in the morning and a good brushing at night until it stopped...

[LaurenAnanas]

I second cinnamon toothpaste- mint has always increased nausea for me.

Also, you can try mouthwash and a good brushing without paste. If you just do it for a few weeks, it shouldn't set your dental hygeine back at all.

[Nanette56]

Thanks for the input ladies! I'm going to try the Cinnamon and Bubble Gum and see if I can stomach either :P My RE prescribed Zofran because I'm vomiting 2-3 times a day and he was a little concerned about dehydration, so maybe that along with the seabands I just bought will help too.

[myk]

fruit or bubble gum flavoured kids toothpastes are the only ones i can stand. everything else - even the smell of the toothpaste 10 minutes after my husband brushes his teeth - makes me gag.

sometimes i just brush, no paste.

[katroshka]

I haven't noticed any difference for me between different flavors, but I find that toothpastes that don't foam up don't make me puke, and usually don't make me gag.

I think a lot of kids toothpastes don't foam, and some other natural ones. I'm using Rosemary & Sage Dental Gel by Logona Kosmetik. It's a little pricey, but I find it to be totally worth it.