Mouthwash During Pregnancy – Is it Safe to Use?

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Written by Dr. Hafsa Fatima

Dr. Hafsa Fatima

Bachelor of Dental Surgery

Dr. Hafsa’s exceptional commitment to curating engaging, precise, and educational content within the oral healthcare field sets her apart. With a solid foundation in dentistry and healthcare, coupled with outstanding writing skills, she excels in developing captivating articles, blog posts, and website content. Balancing her role as a mother of two children aged 8 and 4, Dr. Hafsa seamlessly harmonises her career and personal life. Drawing from diverse professional experiences, she adeptly merges her insights from healthcare and motherhood, crafting user-friendly and insightful content that resonates with her audience.

When Not Writing

Dr. Hafsa is an avid reader and loves traveling. Also, being a good artist, she engages in creative outlets such as painting, drawing, crafting, or photography to stimulate creativity.

Using Mouthwash During Pregnancy

Oral health is important since it forms a major component of your overall health and well-being. But it may also be the most neglected aspect as well, especially during pregnancy. Nurturing a baby always comes with a price! Morning sickness, abdominal cramps, mood swings, and food cravings are some of the common pregnancy symptoms as you all know. But do you know how drastically oral health can be impacted during pregnancy? Poor oral hygiene, hormonal changes, increased blood volume, and unhealthy food cravings can wreak havoc on your oral health.

You may notice a spike in oral health problems like tooth decay, gum disease, pregnancy tumors, and bad breath during pregnancy [1]. Regular brushing and flossing at least twice a day can help keep dental problems at bay! And, what about mouthwash? Are they safe during pregnancy? Do they keep your oral cavity healthy? How can you incorporate it into your routine oral hygiene regimen? Let’s find out!

In This Article

Is It Safe to Use Mouthwash While Pregnant?
How to Use Mouthwash While Pregnant?
Can Use Fluoride Mouthwash During Pregnancy?
Risk Of Using Alcohol And Fluoride Mouthwash In Pregnancy
Precautionary Tips To Take While Using Mouthwash During Pregnancy
FAQs

Is It Safe to Use Mouthwash While Pregnant?

Pregnancy can predispose you to developing dental problems like decay, gum disease, and bad breath (halitosis). Oral health is crucial during pregnancy and this is possible by following dedicated oral hygiene practices. This includes brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day. However, one of the most neglected aspects of the oral hygiene routine is using mouthwash.

You may be apprehensive about using mouthwash, thanks to folklore myths that have been passed down through several generations. However, this is not true. Using mouthwash is safe during pregnancy and must be used in combination with brushing and flossing [2]. But, remember, mouthwash cannot replace brushing and flossing altogether. According to several research studies, prescription alcohol-free mouthwash offers more benefits than the usual over-the-counter mouth rinses [2].

Mouthwash can help with several other oral concerns [3], including:

Plaque and cavity prevention
Pain Relief
Bad breath
Teeth whitening

How to Use Mouthwash While Pregnant?

How to Use Mouthwash While Pregnant_

Use a mouthwash according to the product description, which may vary according to the different brands that you use.

Here are the basic instructions for using mouthwash while pregnant:

Brush your teeth first with a soft-bristled toothbrush and floss them. If you use fluoride toothpaste, wait for 5 to 10 minutes before using a mouthwash.
Pour the mouthwash into a plastic cup (3 to 5 teaspoons) and empty the cup inside your mouth.
Swish the mouthwash around your mouth, rinsing and gargling for 30 seconds.
Ensure to swirl the liquid well in all the areas that are inaccessible to brushing and flossing.
Spit the mouthwash out after 30 seconds.
Do not rinse your mouth with water.

You can also try natural homemade rinses like water mixed with honey, cinnamon powder, baking soda, apple cider vinegar, salt, or peppermint.

Can You Use Fluoride Mouthwash During Pregnancy?

Yes. You can use fluoride mouthwash during pregnancy safely. Fluoride is an essential mineral that plays a significant role in the prevention of caries by strengthening the enamel (the outermost layer of the tooth). Fluorides also aid in improving your oral health, especially during pregnancy. Mouthwashes are common and easy ways of incorporating fluorides into your oral care regime during pregnancy. While there is no direct evidence of the harmful effects of fluoride mouthwashes, it is highly recommended to use them in moderation and follow your dentist’s instructions. The most important, safe, and commonly incorporated dose of fluoride in a mouthwash is 0.2% sodium fluoride [4].

However, care should be taken to avoid high quantities of fluorides in the mouthwash and prevent swallowing it. This can potentially lead to fluorosis in the developing teeth of the fetus. To be safe, consult your gynecologist and dentist before incorporating mouthwashes into your daily oral care routine.

Risk Of Using Alcohol And Fluoride Mouthwash In Pregnancy

It is always recommended to use a fluoride, alcohol-free mouthwash during pregnancy. While fluoride is safe during pregnancy, since it helps prevent caries and other dental problems, alcohol should be completely avoided. This can cause birth defects if ingested and cause problems with your baby’s cognitive development later in life [5]. Furthermore, alcohol can also irritate your gums and teeth leading to erosion, and it can also worsen your morning sickness.

Precautionary Tips To Take While Using Mouthwash During Pregnancy

Though using mouthwash is safe during pregnancy, you must consider certain precautionary tips to reap the maximum benefits and prevent any side effects. These tips include:

Always consult your dentist to prescribe a suitable alcohol-free mouthwash.
Be careful that your mouthwash does not contain high doses of fluoride.
Read the label on your mouthwash and follow the instructions carefully. Some may say rinsing before food is best, while some claim that rinsing after your meals is more beneficial.
If you use mouthwash at night, make sure not to eat and drink after that and go to sleep directly.
When you use mouthwash during the day, ensure you do not brush, floss, eat, or drink for at least half an hour afterward. This can reduce the effectiveness of the mouthwash.
If you have open sores or ulcers in your mouth, seek advice from your dentist before you begin using mouthwash
Do not swallow or ingest the mouthwash.
When choosing natural mouthwashes, avoid using options that contain eucalyptus oil.

Using mouthwash during pregnancy seems debatable. Some researchers may think it causes harm, while others believe it is harmful. However, it is always wise to be safe and avoid alcohol-based mouthwash. If you suffer from oral problems during pregnancy, see a dentist and inform them about your concerns. Discuss your expectations and seek advice on the use of suitable mouthwashes during pregnancy. This helps safeguard your baby and your overall health as well!

FAQ’s

1. Can We Gargle During Pregnancy?

Gargling or rinsing your mouth during pregnancy is safe, provided you use warm salt water or any non-alcoholic mouthwash. However, if you have any issues with your blood pressure (high BP), it is best to avoid saltwater gargles.

2. What Is The Best Mouthwash For Pregnancy Gingivitis?

Pregnancy gingivitis is a common symptom during pregnancy that affects your gum health. You can use a suitable mouthwash during pregnancy to avoid gum problems! Some of the best mouthwashes for pregnancy gingivitis include alcohol-free mouthwash, fluoride mouthwash, and antiseptic mouthwash. You can also use natural mouthwashes, including water mixed with salt, baking soda, apple cider vinegar, aloe vera, honey, or cinnamon powder.

3. Is Colgate Total Mouthwash Safe During Pregnancy?

Colgate Total Mouthwash is considered safe during pregnancy since it contains a low dose of fluoride and is alcohol-free. The ingredients used are natural, thus safe during pregnancy.

References

Pregnancy-related dental problems: A review – [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10845246/]
Effectiveness of Alcohol-free Mouth Rinse Containing Essential Oils and Fluoride as an Oral Hygiene Adjunct among Pregnant Thai Women: A Randomized Clinical Trial – [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7791593/ ]
Mouthwash Use in General Population: Results from Adult Dental Health Survey in Grampian, Scotland – [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3886070/]
The Effect of 0.2% Sodium Fluoride Mouthwash in Prevention of Dental Caries According to the DMFT Index – [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3525928/]
Oral care in pregnancy – [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6883753/ ]