Colgate Peroxyl Mouthwash

[OneTwoOrThree]

I've been given this by my dental Hygienist as my gums are damaged post-pregnancy. Used it three times before reading the label, which I now know says not to use when pg or bf. Panicking now as DC is only 7 weeks old. What damage have I done?? DC won't take a bottle so I am continuing to feed him (have stopped using the mouthwash).

I have consulted Dr Google and LactMed but can't find any info. Active ingredient is hydrogen peroxide 1.5%.

Does anyone know anything about this mouthwash in relation to bf??

Thanks in advance

You could ring your dental hygienist today to ask? I have to say though that my initial feeling would be not to panic, you have used it very little and often these disclaimers are because the product is not tested on pg/ bf women for ethical reasons.

I can't link to it at the moment but I remember reading on Kellymom what's ok and not ok to do whilst bf and one of the ok things was teeth whitening. It was explained that the chemicals are not absorbed by mum so can't pass into breastmilk. By analogy I would say your mouthwash was ok too. The fact that they say not ok for bd on packaging is usually to cover their backs because product has not had studies on pg or bf mums. I'm sure your LO is fine

Found it in Hale's. It's listed as L1 (safest) :) Here's what it says-

" Carbamide peroxide, also called urea peroxide, is stable while immersed in glycerin, but upon contact with moisture, releases hydrogen peroxide and nascent oxygen, both strong oxidizing agents. It is used to disinfect infected lesions, for the removal of earwax and for whitening of teeth and dental appliances. Hydrogen peroxide is rapidly metabolized by hydroperoxidases, peroxidases, and catalase present in all tissues, plasma, and saliva. Its transfer to the plasma is minimal if at all. It would be all but impossible for any to reach breastmilk unless under extreme overdose. " (from Medication and Mothers' Milk 14th ed.)

Hope that helps! Don't worry, I'm a fast typer

Don't ask me what the long words mean.

Superb! Thanks everyone.

I kinda realised I was panicking over nothing, but when I couldn't reassure myself with Dr Google and LactMed I was keen for someone to tell me that all would be well.

DS had an unusually unsettled night (perhaps just a coincidence), which made me a bit tired and emotional panicky in need of support

Thanks again

PS - I blardly love mn :)

EauRouge - is Hale's searchable online, or do you have a copy of the book? If it's online, can you post the link please?

Thanks again

I've got a copy of the book. There is a smart phone app you can get but I think LactMed is the only online thing.