Having the strangest craving ever! please don't reply if you're about to be judgmental-

Knottie91853436

So, here it goes! I'm just about 27 weeks along now, ftm etc...I've had a pretty crave free pregnancy despite the occasional red meat or chocolate craze. About two weeks ago I began the intense craving for brushing my teeth! This has not just been looking forward to brushing after curry or garlic etc, it's slowly become me waking up in the middle of the night feeling the sudden urge to get to the bathroom where I'll spend at least 5-10 full minutes brushing my teeth over and over. I'll add more tooth paste until it gets super foamy, add several different types, bite down on the brush super hard, feel the need to brush my tongue until it feels absolutely raw almost. Even now, the whole ritual of it has become something I crave. I also notice that I prefer it to be super foamy and lathered....? It's bizarre truly. I told my partner and he chalks it up to I must be needing some extra supplemental ingredient in my diet. I have no idea what? It's not like I'm craving the "usual" chalk, ice, or even dirt! A side note, I've also noticed that I've become eager to use cleaning products like creating a large lather to wash dishes or clean the sink or tub. I love the smell and the feel of the lather? This is just too bizarre I know so please don't reply if you're about to go all pit bull on me-- I'm sharing this honestly and feeling a bit vulnerable to be completely honest.
I'd love to hear if anyone else has had something similar of have heard of something similar! Thanks and Cheers for now!!

KonaCoffeeBean

Knottie91853436 said:

So, here it goes! I'm just about 27 weeks along now, ftm etc...I've had a pretty crave free pregnancy despite the occasional red meat or chocolate craze. About two weeks ago I began the intense craving for brushing my teeth! This has not just been looking forward to brushing after curry or garlic etc, it's slowly become me waking up in the middle of the night feeling the sudden urge to get to the bathroom where I'll spend at least 5-10 full minutes brushing my teeth over and over. I'll add more tooth paste until it gets super foamy, add several different types, bite down on the brush super hard, feel the need to brush my tongue until it feels absolutely raw almost. Even now, the whole ritual of it has become something I crave. I also notice that I prefer it to be super foamy and lathered....? It's bizarre truly. I told my partner and he chalks it up to I must be needing some extra supplemental ingredient in my diet. I have no idea what? It's not like I'm craving the "usual" chalk, ice, or even dirt! A side note, I've also noticed that I've become eager to use cleaning products like creating a large lather to wash dishes or clean the sink or tub. I love the smell and the feel of the lather? This is just too bizarre I know so please don't reply if you're about to go all pit bull on me-- I'm sharing this honestly and feeling a bit vulnerable to be completely honest.
I'd love to hear if anyone else has had something similar of have heard of something similar! Thanks and Cheers for now!!

What's there to go "pit bull" about (apart perhaps from using the term pit bull derogatorily, they're really very sweet dogs)? Sure, it's a weird craving, but you're not hurting anyone.

kcave21

I think its a little funny...I have the urge to itch my legs like all day long they are so sensitive and hurt even to itch them but it feels good? IDK 

eburgmama

That sounds more like obsession then craving. Have you have any ocd tendencies in the past?

Totally agree with pp- pit bulls are sweet dogs so I don't know what you mean.

Knottie91853436

No OCD ever! I crave the taste and the foam in my mouth not the cleansing or clean factor.

ciennah99

I would talk to your doctor about it just to be sure. At least they could reassure you or let you know if they've heard of it before.

Knottie91853436

And you too, quit worrying about semantics and being "PC", get a hobby.

raptorteaparty

Knottie91853436 said:

Seriously? You had to dissect my post in order to find something to critique therefore criticize? It's people like you that have way too much time on their hands that make my stomach turn. Quit being so miserable, get a hobby. I actually work with a pit bull rescue org, coincidentally it's a term that been around, perhaps it's not "PC" enough for you so how about beagles- tranquilo.

Perhaps you need to "get a hobby". Clearly you were looking for drama in the first place by trying to tell others what to say and what not to.

kbbtah

I would certainly talk with your doctor. Brushing your teeth so often/hard can be damaging. Hoping the cleaning products you are using are prego safe. Not judging...but the behaviors do seem a little out there and hope that it doesn't lead to anything serious. Wishing you the best.

MamaBish

I suggest you mention it to your dr. It's def something out of the ordinary so you want to be sure it's not a sign if something.

katester91

Why don't you just tell people what you want them to say since it seems that's what you're looking for.

mathistm

I would definitely speak to your doctor. It sounds obsessive.

katyertl

It sounds like an obsessive disorder. Or maybe you're lacking flouride in your diet and body.

marinamarina

You're prob missing a mineral. Call your md Monday morning. Are you taking a prenatal? With iron? Have you had your ferritin checked? Are you drinking enough milk or dairy? Are you eating enough salt?

Your md should order labs and check all of your electrolytes, iron, and do a physical assessment to check for symptoms of a mineral deficiency. If you're anxious and not sleeping well, you should get it addressed ASAP, happy mom, happy baby.

Good luck, if I find anything else I'll let you know.

Could be pica or OCD.

Aprn student here

ktjohnson87

It sounds OCD to me. It's very common for anxiety disorders and such to form during pregnancy. It probably is in line with your nesting about to start. I wouldn't worry too much but definitely talk to your doctor just in case.

mishmardhiono

I'm with te others, consult your GP/dentist about this. I guess 2 things to be wary of is your teeth are apparently more brittle/weaker than normal during pregnancy, continuos brushing can take off the enamel leaving you open to a whole range of issues. Also, this could be a precursor to a whole new issue. I got into a habit at around 18 weeks where I had to check all windows, curtains and doors every night. Then it went to the lights had to remain on. Then I became so anxious about somebody breaking into my house I couldn't stay there anymore. Spoke to midwives, apparently quite common to develop anxiety during pg even if it's not pre existing. Got onto it very early and am no longer experiencing this.

KonaCoffeeBean

Knottie91853436 said:

Seriously? You had to dissect my post in order to find something to critique therefore criticize? It's people like you that have way too much time on their hands that make my stomach turn. Quit being so miserable, get a hobby. I actually work with a pit bull rescue org, coincidentally it's a term that been around, perhaps it's not "PC" enough for you so how about beagles- tranquilo.

How do you figure that I have way too much time on my hands? Like, how long do you think it took me to write a two sentence response to your post? Seriously, good luck with the toothpaste thing.

taboullio84

Holy hell... Wow

mamahawk12

It's actually somewhat common for women to develop pica like cravings during pregnancy - it's not OCD related. I've had two friends have insane cravings/urges to eat chalk (yes, like chalkboard chalk.) Definitely talk to your doctor because not only could it signify a deficiency of some kind, but you're compromising your oral health.

alfnaround

I agree with @mamahawk12. You should defiantly consult your Dr. because as much as you want to keep brushing like that it's definitely not good for your oral health. Your gums are already at risk because your pregnant. Excessive brushing like that can leed to alot of oral issues. I hope that you figure out if it's a deficiency or not and get some answers. I'm sure you don't want to be brushing like that all the time.

KaLikeAWind

In related news, I knew someone who didn't really have morning sickness, except when she brushed her teeth the toothpaste made her nauseous enough to throw up. Imagine that conundrum.

Westypet

@mellymar I had to change my toothpaste to bubble gum flavored because the taste of mint and regular toothpaste now causes instavomit!

Don't worry though, it's Dora the Explorer toothpaste.

ElRuby

KonaCoffeeBean said:

Knottie91853436 said:

So, here it goes! I'm just about 27 weeks along now, ftm etc...I've had a pretty crave free pregnancy despite the occasional red meat or chocolate craze. About two weeks ago I began the intense craving for brushing my teeth! This has not just been looking forward to brushing after curry or garlic etc, it's slowly become me waking up in the middle of the night feeling the sudden urge to get to the bathroom where I'll spend at least 5-10 full minutes brushing my teeth over and over. I'll add more tooth paste until it gets super foamy, add several different types, bite down on the brush super hard, feel the need to brush my tongue until it feels absolutely raw almost. Even now, the whole ritual of it has become something I crave. I also notice that I prefer it to be super foamy and lathered....? It's bizarre truly. I told my partner and he chalks it up to I must be needing some extra supplemental ingredient in my diet. I have no idea what? It's not like I'm craving the "usual" chalk, ice, or even dirt! A side note, I've also noticed that I've become eager to use cleaning products like creating a large lather to wash dishes or clean the sink or tub. I love the smell and the feel of the lather? This is just too bizarre I know so please don't reply if you're about to go all pit bull on me-- I'm sharing this honestly and feeling a bit vulnerable to be completely honest.
I'd love to hear if anyone else has had something similar of have heard of something similar! Thanks and Cheers for now!!

What's there to go "pit bull" about (apart perhaps from using the term pit bull derogatorily, they're really very sweet dogs)? Sure, it's a weird craving, but you're not hurting anyone.

I am re-reading this post several times (because I have too much time on my hands) and I can't understand how this was taken as negative? You were actually quite nice and reassuring... Sounds like too much fishing for drama for my taste!

lillykayda

Maybe it is pit bull like the rapper lol

KaLikeAWind

yeah, I'm rereading this post cause I read it when I got home from work and now I'm bumping around again while I try to wake up.
OP, I'm concerned about your craving. PP's have mentioned the possible harm to your teeth, and others have mentioned that your body may be trying to find something it feels its missing, and yet others have mentioned onset of anxiety, all of which are valid concerns, to me. But, I feel like your asking us not to say anything unless it's supportive its counter intuitive. Because how can we express concern for you without saying that we don't think this behavior is normal?
And secondarily, while I always try to not respond in a snarky way to people, I know for myself that if I am going to ask a bunch of strangers from all over the planet about something, its pretty much guaranteed someone is going to answer in a way I don't like. But that's the shake of the dice, isn't it?

Anyways, without meaning to go all meanie on you, I would discuss this craving situation with your Dr. All of the concerns that have been brought up are very valid.

ETA - spelling

emmamc1

You could perhaps be lacking fluoride, some areas have it in their water alrealdy but if where you live doesn't then maybe it could be the reason it's a funny craving tho :L

Unknown

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Melindafuller34

I craved baby powder with cornstarch with my last child!! I ate quit a bit of it just tell your doctor because my doctor told me it was something that happens often and my body was lacking a nutrient so she prescribed me some pills to take!! It's ok don't worry )

marinamarina

1. Switch to a very soft toothbrush ASAP
2. Switch to a mild gentle nonabrasive toothpaste

If you're going to keep doing this, try to minimize the damage.

Next, realize that OCD behaviors often DO crop up during pregnancy. You can try pharmalogical and non pharma approaches.
Starting with least invasive, try to spend time outdoors and walk briskly for 10-20 minutes.
Do you have any de stressing habits? Yoga, petting and playing with a pet, listening to music, etc.

If none of that helps, the only other ways to curb this are with visiting a therapist to work 1:1, and considering pharmalogical intervention if it starts harming you (low dose Prozac is approved for OCD).

Tell your doctor ASAP, check for deficiency, then bring in stress reducing techniques, and if you're damaging your teeth, guns, or otherwise are disrupting your health, your healthcare prouder may consider therapy and Prozac.

marinamarina

And tell me you're taking your prenatal every day?