If you’re pregnant, or if you’ve recently given birth to your newborn child, you may have stumbled across the thought as to whether you can whiten your teeth during pregnancy or not, and are there any teeth whitening side effects when pregnant.
The truth is that there are a low of unknowns to this question, and there is no evidence to suggest that bleaching or whitening your teeth during pregnancy can cause complications.
However, there is more to this question that needs addressing.
So, let’s get right into it.
Is Teeth Whitening Safe During Pregnancy?
According to the Australian Dental Association, more than half of Australian women were surveyed, and over 50% of them believed that visiting the dentist for any kind of treatment is harmful during pregnancy. There is no evidence to suggest that treatments, including teeth whitening, are dangerous for pregnant women or their children. Therefore, it is a safe assumption that teeth whitening can be performed if you’re pregnant.
Can I Whiten My Teeth During Pregnancy?
Is it recommended that you visit the dentist if you’re pregnant? Dentists typically recommend that you whiten your teeth after pregnancy. The reasons for this are that pregnancy can cause complications that can also impact your oral health. This can complicate teeth whitening treatment. Specifically, complications can include:
- Changes in steroid hormones in the body can lead to loose teeth
- Enamel and tooth erosion owing to sickness can cause acid reflux
- Hormonal changes leading to cavities and gum disease risk due to altering food habits
How Can I Keep My Teeth White At Home During Pregnancy?
There are safer ways to keep your teeth clean and white during pregnancy. Although, natural hormone changes can cause issues with your dental health whilst you’re pregnant.
Certain lifestyle habits and changes are a great starting point to keeping your teeth clean.
- Brush and Floss – Flossing and brushing your teeth twice a day are two basic yet fundamental steps for strong white teeth with mildly abrasive toothpaste. Although, it is important that you use a soft-bristle toothbrush because any vigorous brushing can wear your enamel down.
- Avoid Sugary Drinks – Hormonal changes can gradually impact your diet. Although, to keep your teeth white and clean during pregnancy, avoid sodas, candy and wine (to name a few) which are rich in sugar and sweeteners that can damage your teeth and lead to cavities.
- Regular Checkups – What is accepted and recommended for women that are pregnant is to continue to visit the dentist for a check-up and clean. No major treatments are performed at a check-up and clean, rather making sure any deposits on the teeth are kept clean to lighten the shade on your teeth.
- Practice Oil Pulling – Recent research finds that oil pulling can make a difference in the shine of your teeth. To perform oil pulling, put a tablespoon of oil inside your mouth and swish it around for 15 to 20 minutes before brushing your teeth. Once this is completed, brush your teeth. Oil pulling can be performed in the morning or at night.
Teeth whitening for pregnant women is considered safe but is not usually recommended due to other dental health complications that may arise. To get the best possible results for your smile, check yourself in for teeth whitening treatment after pregnancy.
If you’ve any questions about teeth whitening during pregnancy, you can contact our Woden Dentists to learn more.