Everyone wants to have good oral hygiene, and many people feel self-conscious about their breath after performing oral sex on someone, leading them to brush their teeth almost immediately after. However, dentists and doctors have warned against brushing your teeth after intimate acts, citing risks that could terribly affect your health. Here is why medical and dental experts are advising adults to postpone brushing their teeth and alternatives that are safer to make you feel hygienic after pleasuring someone.
The Surprising Risk of Brushing After Oral Sex
While brushing your teeth might seem like the next obvious move after performing oral sex, it turns out that this habit could increase your risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia, herpes, syphilis, gonorrhoea, and even HIV. Dr Prasanthi Purusothaman, a general practitioner, explains that brushing your teeth can cause tiny cuts and abrasions in your gums.
Bacteria and viruses can enter those microtears and proceed to the bloodstream. As a result of this, you would be more vulnerable to infections if there’s any exchange of bodily fluids during oral sex. Brushing your teeth after oral sex is not the only thing that is risky; flossing can also create tiny openings in your gums, giving pathogens an easy pathway into your body.
It is advised to wait at least 30 minutes after brushing before engaging in oral sex, allowing any irritation from brushing to settle and reducing the likelihood of having any vulnerable cuts or abrasions on your gums.
Experts have stated that while maintaining oral hygiene is crucial, timing matters, and the best time would not be after giving someone oral sex. Instead, it is encouraged that you implement other methods of cleaning your mouth, which could just be rinsing your mouth with water.
Alternative Ways to Freshen Up Safely After Oral Sex
Rinse with Water: It is said that persons who participate in oral sex can simply rinse their mouths with water immediately after can help them feel refreshed without the risk of creating abrasions on their gums. This is a gentler way to flush out any unwanted remnants without causing harm.
Use Antibacterial Mouthwash: Oral sex participants are also encouraged to use an antibacterial mouthwash, which can help eliminate bacteria in the mouth without the friction caused by brushing. Dr Purusothaman has recommended persons choose a mild antibacterial rinse to cleanse the mouth and avoid any cuts that could heighten infection risk.
Spit Out Any Bodily Fluids Promptly: A third option is to spit out any bodily fluids, which is advised by experts. Experts advise spitting out any semen or fluids as soon as possible after oral sex to reduce exposure time. This step, while less glamorous, may play a role in limiting the duration that bacteria or viruses are in contact with the mouth.
Preventive measures for safer oral sex
Before engaging in oral sex, there is also the option of using dental dams for it to be safer. Not many persons consider the risks of contracting an STI through oral sex, but the risk is very real. Similarly to using condoms to prevent sexually transmitted infections, persons can also use dental dams, which are rarely used and not widely available, especially for those engaging in oral sex on women.
Additionally, practising dental hygiene can reduce the risk of getting infected. Persons are encouraged to brush and floss regularly and not immediately before or after performing oral sex, have routine dental visits, and quit smoking to stop their gums from being irritated, which increases their risk of gum disease, which can create further openings for infection.
It is important to see a doctor if you experience any discomfort, mouth sores, or unusual symptoms after oral sex, and it is necessary to note that sores or ulcers in the mouth can make it easier to contract infections.
