Expectant moms care a lot about what’s safe for them and their baby, even when it comes to cosmetic dental procedures like teeth whitening. You may wish for your smile to look brighter before a big event like a baby shower, but might be wondering if it’s really okay to consider teeth whitening during pregnancy. The truth? Most dentists recommend delaying it until the baby is born. Find out why.
Understanding How Teeth Whitening Works
Professional teeth whitening is generally one of the safest options for a dazzling smile. Your dentist applies a concentrated whitening solution and leaves it on for a certain period. Whitening products commonly use hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to help break down stains and lighten the appearance of natural teeth. Just a single session, and you’ll see your teeth looking much brighter than before.
Many dentists nowadays also provide custom at-home whitening kits. You get the whitening results at your home, but in a safer way than over-the-counter whitening strips or gels.
Is It Okay to Get Teeth Whitening During Pregnancy?
Now here’s the question. If professional teeth whitening is generally safe, can you consider it during pregnancy too? Most dentists and obstetricians don’t recommend it.
The American Pregnancy Association says that cosmetic treatments, like teeth whitening, that are not medically necessary should be postponed until after the birth of the baby. The American Dental Association agrees. The main reason is to avoid any potential risks related to the whitening agents.
Pregnancy can also affect gum health. Hormonal changes may cause the gums to become swollen, tender, or more likely to bleed. So, at this time, getting your teeth whitened, even at a dentist’s office, might not be a good idea. It may aggravate gum irritation.
Best Ways to Keep Your Smile Bright During Pregnancy
There are many things you can do to make sure your smile stays sparkly white and healthy throughout your pregnancy:
Stick to an oral care routine
Brushing and flossing your teeth become even more important during this time. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can increase the risk of gum inflammation, even when you maintain good oral hygiene. So, it’s best not to skip the basics.
Watch your diet
Stay away from foods and drinks that cause staining. Coffee, tea, berries, tomato-based curries and sauces, and turmeric are some examples. You don’t have to completely abandon them; just limit their intake.
Don’t smoke
Smoking is prohibited during pregnancy for a lot of reasons. The fact that it leaves dark stains on your teeth is just one of them.
Get routine dental checkups and cleanings
Maintain your regular checkup schedule during pregnancy as your dentist suggests. Routine cleanings are also very beneficial during this time. Apart from removing plaque buildup, they can also remove most of the surface stains on your teeth.
Summing Up
Experts suggest postponing cosmetic treatments like teeth whitening until after delivery. Talk to our dentist, Dr. Marilyn Jones at Houston Biological Dentistry, about the most effective options to care for your smile during and after pregnancy. Call (713) 785-7767 to schedule a visit today!