There are many traditional customs during the postpartum confinement period, one of which is that new mothers should not brush their teeth, a deeply rooted belief. However, according to health experts, maintaining oral hygiene is crucial for individual health. After childbirth, due to changes in dietary habits, frequent consumption of greasy, high-protein foods, and the body being in a recovery phase with relatively weak resistance, neglecting oral hygiene can easily lead to diseases such as periodontitis. In severe cases, it may even affect overall health and be correlated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as miscarriage or premature birth.
In fact, postpartum women, especially those who have had a vaginal delivery, often neglect oral care during the postpartum confinement period. The traditional belief that brushing teeth during this period can cause gum problems is actually a misunderstanding. Hormonal changes in the body during pregnancy and postpartum can indeed lead to swollen and bleeding gums, but this highlights the importance of gentle and proper tooth brushing. Not brushing teeth can increase the risk of oral diseases, which over time, may lead to loose or lost teeth.
Therefore, whether it is a vaginal or cesarean delivery, mothers should maintain their daily tooth brushing habits during the postpartum confinement period, use lukewarm water to soften the toothbrush, and adopt a gentle vertical brushing technique to avoid gum damage. Brushing teeth at least once in the morning and evening daily, and rinsing with warm water or mouthwash after meals to reduce food residue and prevent cavities and other oral diseases.
It is worth noting that comprehensive attention to personal hygiene after childbirth is of great significance in preventing postpartum infections and expediting physical recovery. Some traditional restrictions, such as not brushing teeth, not bathing, not washing hair, are no longer applicable today. The key is to ensure a warm environment while carrying out these daily cleaning practices, avoiding getting cold. By scientifically and reasonably adjusting postpartum practices, new mothers can safeguard their own health and better enjoy the pleasures of parenting.
