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Gagging While Brushing Teeth During Early Pregnancy
According to Dr Arora, one of the main reasons for this is sensitivity to smells while being pregnant. Pregnancy hormones can cause nausea and vomiting, and it becomes hard to endure smells, tastes, and other things that used to be fine.Some of the factors involved in brushing that can trigger the gag reflex are:
- Taste or smell of your toothpaste
- Touching the back of your tongue with the toothbrush
- Brushing itself
The Reasons Why You Should Continue Brushing Your Teeth Anyway
Even though it might be difficult to brush your teeth while you feel unwell, Dr Arora emphasises that good oral hygiene continues to be important during pregnancy. Due to hormonal changes, your susceptibility to dental diseases increases, so by brushing your teeth, you will not only protect yourself from complications right now but will save yourself a lot of trouble in the future.In case you find brushing extremely difficult on any specific day, a rinse with water is better than no hygiene at all; try brushing again once you are feeling better.
Ways to Help You Brush Your Teeth More Comfortably
Dr Arora gives a few useful tips on how to cope with this problem:- Using a small, soft-bristled brush, since it does not come into contact with the back of your tongue
- Slow and gentle brushing instead of quick brushing
- Choosing a milder-tasting or tasteless toothpaste in case your normal toothpaste does not suit you
- A rinse with water after vomiting before brushing, rather than immediately brushing after vomiting
When Gagging Is Obstructing Your Brushing
In case your gagging is too intense to allow you to brush on a regular basis, Dr Arora suggests consulting with your dentist or obstetrician. They will be able to offer practical solutions to ensure your teeth and gums are healthy despite the difficulties.There is no need to handle everything by yourself or to feel guilty about that. Consulting your dentist or obstetrician about the problem will be the right step towards maintaining your oral health.
When Should You See Your Doctor?
While occasional gagging is absolutely normal, you should consider consulting your doctor in case you have the following symptoms:- Uncontrollable vomiting
- Being unable to retain fluids
- Reduced amount of urination
- Severe weight loss
It might not be very pleasant to gag while brushing your teeth, but this is a common symptom of early pregnancy, which tends to go away with several simple modifications. Do not be harsh to yourself and continue taking care of your teeth in whatever way you find comfortable for yourself.
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FAQs on Gagging While Brushing Your Teeth? Why It Happens In Early Pregnancy
- Is gagging while brushing teeth during pregnancy normal?
This is common, especially in the first trimester, because hormones can make you more sensitive to smells, tastes and textures. - Am I allowed to avoid brushing when it makes me ill?
Avoid missing the procedure for too long, since pregnancy hormones can predispose you to gum irritation. Use a softer brush and mild toothpaste, and try brushing. - In what cases is gagging considered to be dangerous?
Gagging accompanied by frequent vomiting, inability to drink any liquids, reduced urination, and weight loss should alert you that this is a case of serious pregnancy sickness, and you should consult a doctor.
