Most people like to look and feel good and will use special treatments to help. One of the most popular treatments of this kind is teeth whitening. People whiten their teeth for various reasons—some to get rid of stains from coffee and cigarettes, while others do it simply to enhance their white smiles.
Teeth Whitening During Pregnancy
What if you are pregnant? There are many treatments that either don’t work or are far too risky during pregnancy. In this article, we will discuss the facts and explore alternative ways to keep your smile sparkling white.
What Are The Risks?
Currently, there is no evidence to support claims that teeth whitening or bleaching is unsafe during pregnancy. However, no official research or studies have been carried out to confirm whether whitening treatments cause complications.
As a result, it is not known if whitening teeth during pregnancy increases the risk of birth defects, miscarriage, lower-than-average birth weight, or preterm labor. This information applies to both at-home treatments and professional teeth whitening.
Can You Whiten Your Teeth When Pregnant?
Many Leading Associations recommend that pregnant women postpone teeth whitening until after pregnancy. Although there is no evidence that proves it is dangerous, it also doesn’t guarantee there are no risks.
The question is: is having whiter teeth during pregnancy worth a potential risk to you and your baby? Many experts also suggest waiting until after breastfeeding, as the peroxide in teeth whiteners could enter the bloodstream and into breast milk.
Is Teeth Whitening Safe During Pregnancy?
Teeth whitening during pregnancy involves both professional treatments at a dentist’s office and over-the-counter (OTC) products. The safety of teeth whitening for pregnant women remains debated among dental professionals and health organizations.
Professional Teeth Whitening
Most dental professionals advise against undergoing professional teeth whitening during pregnancy. The primary concern is the lack of research on the effects of whitening agents, like peroxide, on a developing fetus. Additionally, pregnancy can make gums more sensitive, leading to discomfort during the whitening process.
At-Home Teeth Whitening Products
Like professional treatments, there is a lack of research on the safety of at-home whitening products during pregnancy. These products include whitening strips, gels, and toothpaste containing various concentrations of bleaching agents.
Recommendations
The American Dental Association (ADA) and other health organizations typically advise postponing elective dental treatments, such as teeth whitening, until after pregnancy. This recommendation is based on the precautionary principle due to the lack of specific research on the safety of whitening procedures during pregnancy.
Alternative Approaches to Teeth Whitening
If you’re concerned about your teeth’s appearance during pregnancy, there are safer alternatives to maintain a bright smile.
Oral Hygiene: Focus on excellent oral hygiene by brushing with fluoride toothpaste, flossing, and using antimicrobial mouthwash. This can help keep your teeth clean and reduce stains.
Avoid Staining Foods and Drinks: You can also avoid foods and beverages that stain your teeth, such as coffee, tea, and red wine.
Natural Teeth Whitening Methods
You can also try non-bleaching alternatives. One method involves pressing chopped strawberries against your teeth. Another, suggested by WebMD, includes brushing with baking soda. Eating saliva-producing foods like pears, celery, carrots, and apples can also help maintain white teeth.
Conversely, it’s best to avoid coffee and fizzy drinks, which can stain your teeth. Reducing caffeine is important during pregnancy, as it poses additional risks.
Given these considerations, if you’re pregnant and thinking about teeth whitening, it’s important to consult with both your dentist and obstetrician. They can provide personalised advice based on your oral health and any potential risks to your pregnancy.
For the most current and personalised advice, always consult a healthcare provider.