A colonoscopy is a standard medical procedure that allows a physician to examine the lining of the large intestine to screen for polyps or cancer. For this examination to be successful, the colon must be completely empty, which necessitates a strict period of dietary restrictions and bowel cleansing. A common concern during this preparation is maintaining personal hygiene, and the answer to whether you can brush your teeth is yes, but with one significant limitation. Brushing does not interfere with the visualization of the colon, which is the primary goal of the preparation.
Brushing Your Teeth During Prep
You are permitted to brush your teeth, even using toothpaste, throughout the entire colonoscopy preparation period, including the morning of the procedure. The physical act of brushing does not introduce residue into the digestive tract that would compromise the test’s results. The use of a standard pea-sized amount of toothpaste is acceptable, as it is primarily a topical application for dental hygiene.
The allowance for brushing comes with one absolute rule: do not swallow any toothpaste or rinse water. When the body is under sedation, there is a risk of aspiration, where stomach contents can be accidentally inhaled into the lungs. This risk is why patients are placed on a “Nil Per Os” (NPO) or “nothing by mouth” status for a specific number of hours before the procedure.
The goal of the NPO rule is to ensure the stomach is empty to prevent complications during anesthesia. Therefore, the instruction is to brush as normal but to thoroughly spit out all suds and rinse water. Even a small amount of liquid or paste swallowed can violate the NPO protocol, potentially leading to the procedure being canceled or delayed.
Other Oral Hygiene Considerations
While brushing is allowed, other common oral hygiene products are often restricted or require careful consideration due to their ingredients. Mouthwash, for instance, should be used with caution, and patients should check for any dyes, especially red or purple, which can sometimes be mistaken for blood in the colon. Many mouthwash products contain alcohol or sugar, and even a small amount swallowed could break the fast and stimulate gastric secretions.
Chewing gum, mints, and hard candies are advised against during the final hours of the preparation. The act of chewing or sucking stimulates the production of saliva and subsequently gastric juices in the stomach. This stimulation can increase the volume of fluid in the stomach, which is what the NPO rule is designed to prevent.
While some studies suggest sugarless gum may help with the nausea associated with the prep solution, the safer instruction is to avoid all of these items. Patients must strictly adhere to the specific timeline provided by their physician, detailing the final hour they can consume clear liquids, usually stopping two to four hours before the scheduled procedure time. Following these precise instructions ensures a safe and successful examination.