Feeling nauseous when brushing your teeth can be an unpleasant start to your day. Worse, it can discourage you from following your daily oral hygiene routine. However, you might feel confused as not many people have this issue. So, in this blog, let’s break down why toothpaste makes you nauseous and what you can do.
Why Do I Feel Sick After Using Toothpaste?
After brushing your teeth, the nauseous feeling can be attributed to factors like flavoring, chemicals, and accidentally ingesting toothpaste. Moreover, you could also unintentionally trigger your gag reflex while brushing your teeth.
- Flavor
Most toothpastes available on the market are flavored with strong flavors like mint and cinnamon to give you that minty-fresh breath. However, this can have an unpleasant side effect for some people, who find the taste overwhelming and nausea-inducing. - Artificial Sweeteners
Manufacturers use artificial sweeteners like sorbitol or sucralose to make toothpaste taste sweet on the tongue. However, some people may not tolerate them well and feel queasy. - Foaming Agents
One of the best parts of brushing teeth is when the brushing creates foam. It can make you feel like your teeth are clean. However, these foaming agents, like sodium lauryl sulfate, can irritate the mouth’s mucous membrane. Therefore, you might feel nauseous. - Excessive Use
At the back of most toothpaste packaging, manufacturers insist on a pea-size drop on your brush. However, most people tend to overdo it; this can lead to swallowing toothpaste while brushing and can induce nausea. - Triggering Gag Reflex
Sometimes, it isn’t the toothpaste but your toothbrush that might be causing nausea while brushing. It’s because brushing teeth can trigger a protective mechanism known as the gag reflex. This usually happens when something touches the back part of the mouth. Therefore, especially when you brush your back teeth, you might experience a sudden urge to vomit.
Alternatives Toothpastes You Can Use
Now that you understand why toothpaste makes you feel queasy consider alternatives to traditional toothpaste. These options can help you have a brushing routine free from nausea.
- Hydroxyapatite toothpaste
This toothpaste is becoming a choice for people who want alternatives to generic toothpaste. Hydropoxite toothpaste usually has a milder formula without fluoride or strong flavoring, so people tolerate it better. - Sensitive Formulations
Toothpaste formulated for sensitive teeth might have fewer additives and milder ingredients, which can reduce nausea. - Different Toothpaste Flavoring
It’s a good idea to try toothpaste flavors other than minty. For example, toothpaste flavored like fruits or foods might be easier on the tastebuds. - Herbal Toothpaste
These toothpaste varieties are flavored with cloves or other natural herbs. They might not cause the nausea that normal toothpaste does. - Vegan Toothpaste
Some kinds of toothpaste marked as vegan don’t contain harsh chemicals and artificial flavoring. Hence, they can reduce the nausea you feel when brushing your teeth.
To Summarize
Feeling nauseous when brushing your teeth should not stop you from maintaining an effective oral hygiene routine. Consider replacing your toothpaste to avoid feeling nauseate and using a smaller toothbrush so you can make the most of your brushing time. By taking these steps, you can even enjoy brushing your teeth as a time to ponder and care for yourself.
If you have more questions about oral hygiene, the professionals at Smile4Ever Family Dentistry can help. We are equipped to handle all your dental care needs. Call us at (281) 213-5668 or (832) 844-2266 to schedule an appointment.