Best Pregnancy Safe Toothpaste (Updated 2026 Guide)
Updated April 13, 2026
The Answer
Most toothpaste is safe during pregnancy, but some ingredients warrant caution. With 53 A grade options available, look for fluoride toothpaste without artificial sweeteners like sodium saccharin, synthetic dyes, or harsh chemicals.
Oral health is especially important during pregnancy as hormonal changes increase the risk of gum disease and cavities. While fluoride toothpaste is recommended by both the ADA and ACOG, certain additives like sodium saccharin can cross the placenta, and synthetic dyes have shown concerning effects in animal studies. Choosing a cleaner formula protects both you and your baby.
Pregnancy Safe is 100% independent and research driven. No companies pay to promote or sponsor products.
✓ What's Safe
- • Fluoride containing formulas (ADA and ACOG recommend fluoride for cavity prevention during pregnancy)
- • Simple ingredient lists without artificial sweeteners or dyes
- • Brands like Tom's of Maine, Burt's Bees, or Hello that consistently score B+ or higher
- • Fragrance free or naturally flavored options if experiencing morning sickness sensitivity
✗ What to Avoid
- • Sodium saccharin - crosses the placenta and accumulates in fetal tissue with uncertain long term effects
- • Blue 1 - synthetic dye with limited human pregnancy data and possible neurobehavioral effects in animal studies
- • Yellow 5 - has shown embryotoxic effects in animal studies at high doses
- • Hydrogen peroxide (in whitening formulas) - may cause oxidative stress to placental tissues at higher concentrations
- • Sodium benzoate - has shown birth defects in animal studies at high doses
- • Alcohol containing formulas - no safe level during pregnancy
Most Common Ingredients in Toothpaste Products
We analyzed 304 toothpaste products. Here are the most common ingredients, ranked by how often they appear:
Ingredients to Watch Out For in Toothpaste
These are the most common flagged ingredients across 304 toothpaste products we analyzed.
sodium saccharin
CAUTION
Sodium saccharin is an artificial sweetener found in diet products. Crosses the placenta and accumulates in fetal tissue with uncertain long term effects. An artificial sweetener that crosses the placenta and accumulates in fetal tissue. While not definitively proven harmful, the uncertain long term effects on fetal development make it worth avoiding during pregnancy.
Found in 120 of 304 products (39%)
blue 1
CAUTION
Blue 1 is a synthetic blue food coloring. Has limited human pregnancy data with possible neurobehavioral effects in animal studies. A synthetic food dye with limited human pregnancy data. Animal studies suggest possible neurobehavioral effects, and major health organizations recommend minimizing exposure to synthetic dyes during pregnancy.
Found in 40 of 304 products (13%)
potassium nitrate
CAUTION
Potassium nitrate is compounds used as food preservatives and found in water. May impair fetal oxygen availability and are associated with preterm birth at high exposure levels. Commonly used in sensitivity toothpaste. At high exposure levels, nitrates may impair fetal oxygen availability and are associated with preterm birth, though amounts in toothpaste are typically low.
Found in 33 of 304 products (11%)
polysorbate 80
CAUTION
Polysorbate 80 is an emulsifier used in foods and medications. May alter offspring gut microbiota and immune function based on animal studies. An emulsifier that animal studies suggest may alter offspring gut microbiota and immune function. While more research is needed, choosing formulas without it is a reasonable precaution.
Found in 18 of 304 products (6%)
sodium benzoate
CAUTION
Sodium benzoate is a food preservative in beverages and processed foods. Has shown birth defects in animal studies at high doses and may form benzene when combined with vitamin C. A preservative that has shown birth defects in animal studies at high doses. It may also form benzene when combined with vitamin C, though this is more relevant in beverages than toothpaste.
Found in 18 of 304 products (6%)
yellow 5
CAUTION
Yellow 5 is a synthetic yellow food coloring. Has shown embryotoxic effects in recent animal studies at high doses. A synthetic dye that has shown embryotoxic effects in animal studies at high doses. Like other artificial colors, it's best minimized during pregnancy.
Found in 10 of 304 products (3%)
hydrogen peroxide
CAUTION
Hydrogen peroxide is a chemical oxidizing agent used in hair bleaching, teeth whitening, and antiseptic products. May cause oxidative stress and cellular damage to placental tissues at higher concentrations, though dilute topical use appears low risk. Used in whitening toothpaste, it may cause oxidative stress and cellular damage to placental tissues at higher concentrations. Occasional use of low concentration formulas is likely low risk, but daily whitening products are best avoided.
Found in 9 of 304 products (3%)
benzoic acid
CAUTION
Benzoic acid is a food preservative in beverages and processed foods. Has shown birth defects in animal studies at high doses and may form benzene when combined with vitamin C. Related to sodium benzoate, this preservative has shown concerning effects in animal studies at high doses. Choosing preservative free options when available is prudent.
Found in 8 of 304 products (3%)
How Do Toothpaste Products Stack Up?
We graded 304 toothpaste products for pregnancy safety. 53 received an A grade.
Best Pregnancy Safe Toothpaste
We found 53 pregnancy safe options. Here are some top picks.
| Grade | Product | Brand |
|---|---|---|
| A | Colgate Mint Fresh | Colgate® |
| A | Crest Pro Health Sensitive And Gum Toothpaste | Crest |
| A | Colgate Optic White Advanced Teeth Whitening Toothpaste Icy Fresh | Colgate Optic White |
| A | Sensodyne Repair And Protect Teeth Whitening Sensitive Toothpaste | Sensodyne |
| A | Crest Pro Health Advanced Extra Whitening Toothpaste | Crest Pro Health Advanced |
Toothpaste to Avoid During Pregnancy
These popular products received low grades due to flagged ingredients.
| Grade | Product | Brand |
|---|---|---|
| F | Colgate Palmolive Hello Super Fresh Fluoride Free Toothpaste Natural Spearmint 4.7 Oz | Colgate Palmolive Hello |
| F | Fresh Watermelon Fluoride Free Kids Toothpaste 4.2 Oz | Hello |
| D- | Crest Complete Plus Scope Whitening Toothpaste | Crest |
| D- | Crest + Scope Complete Whitening Toothpaste - Minty Fresh | Crest |
| D- | Crest Plus Scope Complete Whitening Toothpaste Value Pack Mint | Crest |
Your Questions Answered
Is toothpaste safe during pregnancy?
Yes, toothpaste is generally safe during pregnancy, and maintaining good oral hygiene is actually more important than ever. The American Dental Association and ACOG both recommend using fluoride toothpaste to prevent cavities. However, some ingredients like sodium saccharin, synthetic dyes, and certain preservatives are worth avoiding. Look for toothpaste with simple ingredient lists and check our database for A grade options.
What ingredients should I avoid in toothpaste during pregnancy?
The main ingredients to avoid are sodium saccharin (an artificial sweetener that crosses the placenta), synthetic dyes like Blue 1 and Yellow 5 (which have shown concerning effects in animal studies), hydrogen peroxide in high concentrations (found in whitening formulas), and alcohol. Sodium benzoate and polysorbate 80 are also flagged for caution. Many popular brands contain these ingredients, so checking labels is important.
What toothpaste to avoid when pregnant?
Avoid toothpaste containing harsh chemicals like triclosan and sodium lauryl sulfate, which can irritate gums. Also steer clear of formulas with sodium saccharin, synthetic dyes (Blue 1, Yellow 5), and high concentration hydrogen peroxide whitening products. Some Crest and Colgate varieties contain these ingredients. Brands like Tom's of Maine, Burt's Bees, and certain Sensodyne products tend to have cleaner formulas.
Is it safe to use Colgate while pregnant?
Yes, fluoride toothpaste including Colgate is safe during pregnancy. The ADA and ACOG have confirmed fluoride is safe and effective for preventing cavities in pregnant women. However, specific Colgate products vary in their ingredient lists. Some contain sodium saccharin or dyes that warrant caution. Colgate Mint Fresh is one A grade option, while others score lower due to additional additives. Check individual product grades before purchasing.
Is fluoride toothpaste harmful during pregnancy?
No, fluoride toothpaste is not harmful during pregnancy. This is a common myth that has been debunked by major health organizations. Both the American Dental Association and the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommend fluoride toothpaste for pregnant women to prevent cavities. Pregnancy increases cavity risk due to hormonal changes and morning sickness, making fluoride protection even more valuable.
How Do We Score Products for Pregnancy Safety?
We analyze each product's ingredients and category to flag known risks and provide cautionary notices for general category safety concerns.
A - Safe
Excellent choice! All ingredients are considered safe during pregnancy.
What to do: Use with confidence.
B - Likely Safe
Pretty much safe with very minimal risk. Some ingredients may have limited pregnancy studies, but no significant safety concerns have been identified.
What to do: Use with confidence.
C - Limit
Contains ingredients with some pregnancy considerations. Research shows these ingredients may have limited safety data, potential for minor hormonal effects, or require caution based on animal studies.
What to do: Use sparingly and consider safer alternatives when available.
D - Caution
Similar to C grade but contains multiple cautionary ingredients. The combination increases overall concern.
What to do: Try to avoid if that makes you feel better. If you've already used it, no need to panic.
F - Avoid
Contains ingredients with established risks during pregnancy. Research shows these can cause birth defects, developmental harm, or serious maternal complications.
What to do: Do not use during pregnancy. If you've already used it, don't worry - contact your OBGYN if concerned.
People Also Checked
References
- https://www.brighamandwomens.org/obgyn/brigham obgyn group/patient education/substances of concern during pregnancy
- https://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/eating well/week-31/sweetener.aspx
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/637087/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12172230/
- https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/sweeteners pregnancy.html
- https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/shokueishi1960/14/4/14_4_371/_pdf
- https://kidshealth.org/HumanaSouthCarolina/en/parents/sweeteners pregnancy.html
- https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy pregnancy/is it safe/artificial sweeteners and pregnancy/
- https://ahwendowment.org/AHW/Health Focused Research/00005047.htm
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4229159/
- https://nutritionsource.hsph.harvard.edu/healthy drinks/artificial sweeteners/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine and dentistry/saccharin
- https://www.ebay.com/itm/235941962079
- https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Saccharin
- https://www.chop.edu/centers programs/poison control center/saccharin sweet and low sweet twin necta sweet
- https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB12418
- https://www.walmart.com/ip/Necta Sweet Saccharin Sugar Substitute Zero Calorie Tablets-1000ct-4-Pack/5082060099
- https://apps.who.int/food additives contaminants jecfa database/chemical.aspx?chemID=4003
- https://storymd.com/journal/wgpqxnyu4w high intensity sweeteners/page/8kd4olt6py45-saccharin sweet and low R-sweet twin R-sweet n-low R-necta sweet R
- https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/aldrich/240931
