Dr. Kate is an OB/GYN at one of the largest teaching hospitals in New York City and she answers your medical questions here every two weeks. To ask her your own question, click here.
Dear Dr. Kate,
Lately my manpanion has been going down on me at night following teethbrushing. Needless to say, the oral has been extra tingly. Do I need to be concerned that some of the chemicals in toothpaste are not good for my lady parts?
— Ms. Clean
Dear M.C.,
In general, I follow the philosophy of “listen to your body.” If something is causing you discomfort or pain, you should stop it. But if it’s just an extra-fine tingly sensation that adds to your pleasure, I’d simply enjoy it! To be clear: I wouldn’t advocate layering on the toothpaste to your clitoris and leaving it on like a mask, no matter how good it feels — prolonged exposure to chemicals on your vulva tends to end badly. But I don’t think that toothpaste residue on your fella’s tongue and lips is likely to cause damage. For regular toothpaste — and again, non-vaginal use — try AP24 toothpaste by Nuskin.
— Dr. Kate
Gynotalk
Dr. Kate is an OB/GYN at one of the largest teaching hospitals in New York City. She also lectures nationally on women’s health issues and conducts research on reproductive health. Check out more of her advice and ask her a question at Gynotalk.com.
Based on personal experience I have to agree with this. Vigorously!
A little tingling from leftover mint from a partner’s tongue isn’t a problem on sensitive parts of the body. But what’s tingly in very small quantities can be “OMG where’s a fire extinguisher” in larger ones.
The kinds of high concentrations of peppermint, spearmint, or wintergreen oil, like eucalyptus oil and the essential oils you get in things like toothpaste, shaving cream, perfumes, and even some kinds of ointments are a very, very different matter on more, um, tender parts of the body!
figleaf