Why Brushing is Important Before and After Fasting
Dental health influencers warn that skipping brushing and flossing, even for a short period, can impact your oral health.
When fasting overnight or longer, bacteria in your mouth continue producing plaque and acid that demineralize tooth enamel and irritate gums. So how should you balance your teeth's needs with fasting rules before blood draws?
Reducing Tooth Decay and Bad Breath
Brushing and flossing removes plaque buildup that can lead to mouth odor or tooth decay if left for long periods. As many dealing with chronic conditions have frequent blood work for monitoring, recurring fasts could compound these risks.
Preventing Other Oral Health Issues
Without regular cleaning from brushing, some studies found links between persistent oral bacteria and conditions like pneumonia, heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, dementia, and weakened immunity.
So maintaining some level of oral care while fasting has its benefits. But what's actually allowed?
Can You Brush Your Teeth While Fasting for Blood Tests?
The consensus among dentists is that you can and should gently brush your teeth during fasting for blood draws. However, standard fasting guidelines require avoiding:
- Toothpaste or mouthwash with colors, dyes, or alcohol
- Flossing between teeth
- Chewing gum
These oral hygiene restrictions aim to avoid anything that could be accidentally ingested and impact blood test accuracy.
Brushing Guidelines and Tips While Fasting
Here is what most medical labs allow for teeth brushing during fasting windows before procedures:
- Use a plain toothbrush - no electric brushes
- Use toothpaste sparingly - avoid swallowing
- Gently brush surfaces and gums - no aggressive scrubbing
- Rinse thoroughly afterwards - don't swallow water
- Avoid other oral products - mouthwash, floss, etc
Brushing without toothpaste is also an option if you want extra assurance nothing will be ingested and interfere with blood test accuracy.
Caring for Your Teeth After Fasting
Once your blood draw is complete, prioritize giving your teeth some TLC to make up for the fasting period. Here are some post-fast dental health tips:
Brush Thoroughly
Gently but thoroughly remove all plaque buildup with fluoride toothpaste and clean between teeth with floss.
Stimulate Your Gums
Use a soft-bristle brush or rubber tip to gently massage gums and boost circulation.
Rinse with Mouthwash
Mouthwash can freshen breath and prevent gum inflammation after fasting.
Drink Plenty of Water
Rehydrate not just your body but your oral tissues as well after water fasting periods.
Taking a little time to brush while fasting and recover post-fast can make a big difference for your dental and overall health.
FAQs
Can I swallow toothpaste while brushing during fasting?
No. As toothpaste can potentially influence some test results, you should be careful not to swallow toothpaste or rinse water when brushing while fasting for blood draws.
Is brushing without toothpaste while fasting okay?
Yes, gently brushing your teeth without toothpaste is completely acceptable during a fasting period for bloodwork.
Can I use flavored toothpaste or mouthwash before a fasting blood test?
It's best to avoid flavored or colored oral hygiene products while fasting for blood work. Stick to standard, white toothpaste or just use a plain toothbrush with water.
Does brushing before blood work make fasting for me unnecessary?
No, the limited brushing that is allowed does not replace fasting requirements for blood tests. Doctors will still ask you to fast appropriately for accurate blood results.
What time should I brush my teeth before fasting bloodwork?
Plan to brush your teeth right before starting your required fast window, usually 8-12 hours before your blood draw appointment. Then avoid toothpaste and other oral hygiene products during the actual fasting period.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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