It’s important for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers to follow certain guidelines when it comes to the foods and beverage they consume as well as other health habits. For instance, many health experts suggest that you refrain from drinking caffeine or dying your hair. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, you may be wondering whether you should wait to have your teeth whitened. Here’s everything you need to know about teeth whitening while pregnant or breastfeeding:
Can I Have My Teeth Whitened While I’m Pregnant?
Currently, there are no widespread studies on the effects of teeth whitening while pregnant. While there do not appear to be any negative side effects and it is assumed to be safe, it has not conclusively been proven to be safe for women who are pregnant.
In addition to this, most dentists advise pregnant women to avoid non-essential dental procedures until they have delivered their baby. This is because pregnancy can cause a number of changes in the mouth, which may complicate the process of teeth whitening, including:
- Swollen or bleeding gums due to hormonal changes that are common during pregnancy
- Tooth erosion and demineralization caused by stomach acid from morning sickness. Teeth whitening during this time could weaken the teeth
- A higher risk of cavities due to frequent cravings for sugary and starchy foods
In most cases, the team at Dodds Dental recommends waiting to whiten your teeth until your baby arrives. After pregnancy and during breastfeeding, teeth whitening is safer to perform.
Can I Have My Teeth Whitened While I’m Breastfeeding?
Yes! Teeth whitening is completely safe for breastfeeding moms. The peroxide-based whiteners used in both in-office whitening and take-home kits will not be absorbed into your bloodstream, so they will not end up in your breastmilk. Even if you do swallow a very small amount of peroxide, it will harmlessly be metabolized immediately and will not pose a risk to your breastmilk. It’s completely safe to have your teeth whitened while you’re breastfeeding your child.
We offer in-office treatments as well as take-home whitening kits that are custom-built to fit your teeth. Our take-home option allows you to treat yourself in the comfort of your own home while breastfeeding your child.
Get The Cosmetic Care You Need At Dodds Dental
If you’re pregnant, we may recommend that you hold off on whitening your teeth until you’ve delivered your baby, but whitening your teeth while breastfeeding is completely safe. To learn more and see if you’re approved for treatment, you can contact us to schedule an appointment at (562) 439-0754, or stop by our office at 5580 E 2nd Street, Suite 202, Long Beach, CA 90803.
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