Do not brush your teeth immediately after vomiting

Pregnancy: Do not brush your teeth immediately after vomiting

03/10/2011

During pregnancy, many women feel nausea and often vomit. However, after vomiting, do not immediately use the toothbrush to brush your teeth. This was explained by the German Society for Aesthetic Dentistry / DGÄZ, the Dentista Club and the Federal Association of Pediatric Dentists in Germany in a joint brochure entitled: „Prophylaxis for mother and child“. It is better first to clean the teeth with a mouthwash solution.

Brushing immediately after vomiting can damage tooth enamel, which is superficially macerated immediately after passing through the gastric acid contamination. It is better to first rinse the oral cavity thoroughly with a fluoridated mouthwash, so that the tooth enamel is cured again. After half an hour, the teeth should be cleaned with a commercially available toothpaste and toothbrush.

Another problem is the gagging during brushing. In some women, the stimulus is so pronounced that brushing your teeth sometimes seems almost impossible. If brushing your teeth is so difficult, oral care can be supported with a mouthwash solution. Although the mouthwash does not replace brushing, it can be used as a temporary alternative for nausea. After rinsing, sufferers should let the ingredients work a little on the tooth surface as much as possible. Rinse with water should be avoided, otherwise the protective fluorides are washed away again. After the cleaning process, simply spit out the rinse again, the Council of Dentists.

Many pregnant women use homeopathic remedies to relieve nausea. Another adequate remedy is acupuncture for the relief or prevention of nausea. Ask your gynecologist or a naturopath. (Sb)

Read about:
Self-treatment of nausea and vomiting
Diet against pregnancy complications
More than just brushing: dental care
Avoid periodontal disease, but how?

Image: Sonja Graves