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Is It Safe to Use Mouthwash during Pregnancy?

Erin J. Hill
Erin J. Hill

The use of mouthwash during pregnancy is generally considered safe, as long as certain precautions are taken. Most doctors are only concerned about the use of mouthwash containing alcohol. There are various alternative products on the market which can typically be used without worry. Women who have recently become pregnancy should discuss any products they are currently using with their doctors for further instructions.

Whether or not using mouthwash while pregnant is harmful to a developing baby depends widely on the ingredients contained in a particular mouthwash. Many varieties contain alcohol, which can hinder fetal brain development. The exact amount of alcohol required to do any real damage is not known, so most doctors say to avoid it altogether. Although alcohol containing mouthwash isn't meant to be swallowed, some women may have problems spitting it all out without consuming a very small amount. While this probably isn't enough to harm a developing baby, it is still recommended by some doctors that anything containing alcohol be avoided during pregnancy.

It's important to read the labels closely, as some mouthwashes contain alcohol, which could affect fetal brain development.
It's important to read the labels closely, as some mouthwashes contain alcohol, which could affect fetal brain development.

There are several mouthwash options available which do not contain alcohol. For women who want to use a daily oral rinse, these are probably a safer alternative. All ingredients should be read thoroughly to determine if a particular brand contains alcohol. Even better, women should discuss particular brands and types with their doctors before using any particular mouthwash during pregnancy. Most doctors or dentists should be able to give a recommendation.

Periodontal care is particularly important during pregnancy.
Periodontal care is particularly important during pregnancy.

Aside from mainstream mouthwash, there are also many all-natural products on the market. These may also be good alternatives to commercial mouthwash during pregnancy. All ingredients should still be checked, however, since some herbs are not safe during pregnancy. For instance, some mouthwashes contain eucalyptus oil. This has been shown to be dangerous for pregnancy women and their developing babies. Those who choose to go with something all natural should have each ingredient approved by their health care providers.

Any mouthwash that contains eucalyptus oil should not be used during pregnancy.
Any mouthwash that contains eucalyptus oil should not be used during pregnancy.

Whether or not a woman chooses to use mouthwash during pregnancy is a personal choice. Mouthwash is not necessarily needed for good oral health, although it can help kill germs and bacteria found in the mouth. In any event, pregnant women should spend extra time caring for their oral health because the gums are particularly vulnerable during this time. Many women report bleeding gums and mouth soreness during pregnancy. This could make them more susceptible to infection if not properly cared for.

Discussion Comments

anon927372

Listerine mouthwash is safe during the pregnancy. It is FDA and IDA approved.

backdraft

I have noticed since I got pregnant that I have a funny taste in my mouth almost constantly. I have been using a lot of mouthwash to get rid of it, but it doesn't seem to be working very well. Has anyone else experienced this? What did you do to get rid of it?

tigers88
I am so glad that I read this article. I am three months pregnant and I had not even thought about the alcohol in my mouthwash. I checked the label, and it had some in it.

Now, I rarely use mouthwash, so I am not too worried about the mouthwash that I have used thus far and the little bit of alcohol that I may have consumed. But you can be sure that I am going to switch to an alcohol-free mouthwash now.

stoneMason

Alcohol-free mouthwash is absolutely safe. I used it throughout my pregnancy.

I was experiencing bleeding gums during my pregnancy and asked my dentist about mouthwash. He said I can use it and recommended an alcohol-free antibacterial mouthwash for me.

It was a bit more expensive than regular mouthwash but I felt good knowing that I wouldn't get an infection from my gums bleeding or harm my baby.

ysmina

@turkay1-- I don't think it's any more dangerous than regular mouthwash. I think whitening mouthwashes contain peroxide, so it's probably a good idea not to use it everyday. But at the same time, you're not swallowing it, so why should it be a problem?

I still think most moms are extra cautious and will avoid it during pregnancy though.

candyquilt

Is whitening mouthwash dangerous during pregnancy?

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    • It's important to read the labels closely, as some mouthwashes contain alcohol, which could affect fetal brain development.
      By: Milissenta
      It's important to read the labels closely, as some mouthwashes contain alcohol, which could affect fetal brain development.
    • Periodontal care is particularly important during pregnancy.
      By: hartphotography
      Periodontal care is particularly important during pregnancy.
    • Any mouthwash that contains eucalyptus oil should not be used during pregnancy.
      By: PhotoSG
      Any mouthwash that contains eucalyptus oil should not be used during pregnancy.
    • Some women experience mouth soreness and bleeding gums during pregnancy.
      By: Radek Sturgolewski
      Some women experience mouth soreness and bleeding gums during pregnancy.
    • Mouthwash can be used to reduce oral bacteria that can lead to gum disease, tooth infections and tooth loss.
      By: Igor Gromoff
      Mouthwash can be used to reduce oral bacteria that can lead to gum disease, tooth infections and tooth loss.
    • Doctors advise against using mouthwash that contains alcohol during pregnancy.
      By: L. Shat
      Doctors advise against using mouthwash that contains alcohol during pregnancy.
    • Some all-natural mouthwashes contain herbs that could be unsafe for pregnant women to consume.
      By: Gajus
      Some all-natural mouthwashes contain herbs that could be unsafe for pregnant women to consume.