Traditional postpartum customs advocate avoiding going out, bathing, washing hair, and brushing teeth, but modern people pay attention to hygiene and find it difficult to accept not maintaining personal cleanliness for a long time. There are two attitudes towards whether to brush teeth after childbirth: some mothers follow traditional taboos, while others do not see it as a concern. In fact, it is possible to brush teeth after childbirth. The traditional belief that brushing teeth can cause loose teeth, pain, or even loss is not scientific. It is recommended to brush teeth with warm water to reduce stimulation on the teeth and protect oral health.
During the postpartum period, in order to restore strength and promote breast milk secretion, it is common to consume nutrition-rich foods such as high-protein or greasy foods, which can easily remain between teeth and harbor bacteria. Therefore, regular teeth brushing and rinsing with warm water after meals are particularly important to prevent oral problems.
During this period, it is advisable to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste designed for postpartum women, pay attention to personal hygiene, and maintain daily oral and body cleanliness, such as washing face, brushing teeth, and washing the perineum. As the body gradually recovers, taking moderate baths is allowed, but exposure to cold should be avoided.
Regarding the use of mouthwash during the postpartum period, the older generation tends to avoid all activities involving water, including mouthwash. However, mouthwashes available in the market are categorized into preventive and therapeutic types. Among them, therapeutic mouthwashes contain medicinal ingredients and should be purchased from pharmacies with a prescription, mainly used to alleviate and control oral problems like periodontitis. Although this type of mouthwash has therapeutic effects, it may also lead to side effects such as taste changes and oral ulcers, so choosing carefully and following professional guidance is crucial.
During pregnancy and postpartum, women should carefully check the ingredient list when selecting mouthwash to avoid products containing boric acid, borax, antibiotics, and other harmful substances. Borax has been banned in many countries due to its toxicity in food and drugs, while improper use of antibiotics may cause long-term harm to the body. Therefore, it is essential to choose oral care products safely and reasonably for health.
