Can I Whiten My Teeth While Breastfeeding?

This article will give you an answer to a question – can I whiten my teeth while breastfeeding?

Questions like this one are normal. You’re a mom now, or you’re about to become one. Many things could be harmful to your baby, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.

It’s important to do your research before any procedures, medications, or anything similar. This is a special period of your life, and you have to be careful with certain things you do.

Whitening Your Teeth While Breastfeeding

The first thing to know is that teeth whitening while breastfeeding or during pregnancy is safe but not suggested. I will try to explain this to you the best I can.

There are no studies that can prove that whitening your teeth is harmful during these periods of life, but American Dental Association (ADA) doesn’t recommend this treatment.

Even though teeth whitening while breastfeeding won’t hurt the baby or breast milk, it should be postponed. The reason for that is quite simple. Your body, including your oral cavity, is more sensitive when breastfeeding or pregnant. Because of that, whitening your teeth could lead to some complications with your mouth or teeth.

When you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, your body is filled with hormones. Estrogen and progesterone are present in high doses. These hormones can cause teeth loosening. Also, these hormones can affect your oral health in general. It’s not unusual for pregnant and nursing women to have problems with cavities, plaque, or gum disease.

Hormonal changes are also responsible for cravings. It’s not unusual to want certain foods, sweets, and similar. As you probably know, this kind of diet is bad for your teeth and mouth.

Another reason why whitening your teeth while breastfeeding or pregnant is not recommended is digestive problems. Digestive problems are more common during pregnancy but can also be present while breastfeeding.

Morning sickness can cause throwing up, and that brings your stomach acid to your mouth which is bad for the teeth. Stomach acid can be the cause of demineralization or tooth erosion.

You’ve probably heard that some women even lose their teeth during this period of their lives. So, if you want to take care of your oral health, avoid teeth whitening.

Most dentists recommend only essential dental procedures. Everything that’s just aesthetic should wait. In case there’s a certain complication, you can’t even take some of the medications while breastfeeding or pregnant. Dental implants, teeth jewelry, and teeth whitening when breastfeeding or pregnant, should not be considered.

Teeth Whitening Treatment

Teeth whitening treatment is used to make your teeth look brighter and whiter. This procedure should only be performed by a dentist or dental professionals. This is not a complicated procedure, but it’s not very healthy for your teeth.

The purpose of teeth whitening is to bleach your teeth. It can be done by using a special, whitening gel, or by using a combination of the bleaching solution and laser or ultraviolet lights.

A laser with a bleaching solution is more effective. You get a special mouth guard to protect your gums from the bleaching solution. After that, the dentist puts the solution on your teeth and then uses a laser to activate it.

The solution usually contains an active ingredient like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. During teeth whitening, it’s necessary to wear glasses to protect your eyes from laser or ultraviolet lights.

This procedure costs a lot of money, so many people try teeth whitening by using gels and similar products. Of course, these gels should only be used if your dentist recommends them. Most of the contain hydrogen peroxide.

There are many home kits, teeth whitening kits, whitening pens, and whitening strips that are harmful and full of toxic ingredients. Most of them contain peroxide-based bleaching agents. Therefore, be careful and don’t do anything without the dentist’s approval.

Another important reason to visit your doctor is an oral exam. Teeth whitening is an invasive procedure, and it’s essential to let a professional determine the health of your teeth and gums.

Your teeth’s enamel could be damaged, or maybe you need to do some other procedure before you whiten your teeth. Also, your teeth could generally be weak and sensitive which makes them unsuitable for whitening.

Teeth whitening can also damage your teeth. All these chemicals will strip away some of your teeth’s enamel, and you will be more prone to sensitivity, plaque, and staining.

As you can see, getting your teeth whitened is not so simple and harmless. This is a procedure that should be understood very seriously. Women who aren’t pregnant or breastfeeding could have some consequences by doing this.

Is There Anything That Could Whiten My Teeth While Breastfeeding?

Maybe you’re not even interested in teeth whitening procedures while breastfeeding. You just want to know some simple, natural, and safe methods that could improve the look of your teeth. Whiter teeth were always in.

The first thing to do is to find a good, approved, and safe toothpaste. Do your research, and find something that is mild, and natural, but also effective. Read the ingredients before purchasing them.

A few things that can naturally whiten your teeth while breastfeeding is coconut oil, turmeric, or activated charcoal powder. These things are simple to use.

You can mix the coconut oil with turmeric or charcoal powder, or you can use coconut powder by itself. Put it on your toothbrush and brush well. These natural, whitening products can be used often because they aren’t damaging to your teeth.

Oil pulling is also beneficial for teeth whitening. Take some coconut oil and swirl it around your mouth for 15 minutes. Oil will remove stains and build-up.

Another great thing that could whiten your teeth is a paste made of strawberries. Just take two strawberries, and crush them. Use your finger to spread the paste over your teeth, and then use your toothbrush.

You will see suggestions for baking soda, vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, or lemon. They can be harmful to your tooth enamel, so try to stay away from these whitening agents.

Many things can help you, but your priority should be taking care of your oral health and oral hygiene. Before finding a natural whitener, focus on brushing your teeth well and flossing.

Oral Health During Pregnancy And Breastfeeding

As I’ve mentioned before, pregnant women and breastfeeding moms are sensitive to some things more than other women. It’s enough to think about your breast milk supply, your baby’s health, your delivery, your stomach, and every other thing connected to being a pregnant woman or a breastfeeding mother.

However, taking care of your oral health is a must. Over 50% of women have oral health problems while pregnant or breastfeeding. Hormonal changes can cause many problems which can lead to different oral health complications.

Many women have experienced a lot of cavities, plaque, build-up, caries, tooth sensitivity, inflamed gums, and similar. Use their example and take better care of your oral health.

Try to visit your dentist more often while breastfeeding or pregnant to check for gum diseases like gingivitis, or tooth decay. Of course, x-rays are a big no during pregnancy. Sometimes, gum disease can lead to more serious infections that can be very dangerous for your health.

Take enough calcium and vitamin D during your pregnancy or breastfeeding period. Calcium is a mineral that is essential for the health of teeth and bones. It makes your teeth stronger.

You should take around 1000mg of calcium daily. Milk, cheese, cereals, kale, and broccoli are great sources of calcium. Of course, you can always ask your doctor to recommend you a good calcium supplement.

Vitamin D is essential for the body to absorb calcium. Tuna, salmon, swordfish, beef liver, cod liver oil, and oranges are filled with vitamin D.

However, it is hard to hit the daily dose with food only, so ask your doctor for a vitamin D supplement. Of course, vitamin D can’t be absorbed by the body if there is no sun exposure.

If you’re planning a baby, it would be a great idea to visit the dentist before getting pregnant. That way, you will solve any problems with your teeth and gums.

Long story short, take care of your oral hygiene, eat a healthy diet, contact, and visit your dentist regularly. So, whitening your teeth while breastfeeding or being pregnant, shouldn’t be your priority.

Why Is Teeth Whitening A Trend?

You wouldn’t be wondering about teeth whitening treatment while breastfeeding if this procedure wasn’t so popular. We live in a time when looks matter a lot, and people go over and beyond to improve the way they look.

Teeth whitening is something that became normal, even though it is damaging. It became normal to have super white teeth, so people are now crazy about this treatment.

As I’ve mentioned, whitening your teeth while breastfeeding is not a good idea. Doctors don’t recommend this for several reasons, and you should stay away from it.

I understand if you’re not confident about the way your teeth look. It’s okay to do whatever you want with your body, but please, wait a while. Now is not the time.

Besides, I am sure your teeth look great. Just because something is a trend, doesn’t mean you should follow that path. This treatment is expensive, it has a lot of risks, and it can be very harmful in some cases. So, take some to reconsider this.

Also, if some doctor says that you should whiten your teeth while breastfeeding, don’t listen. Just wait a little longer. Some things are not worth your health.

Conclusion

I am glad that you’re wondering if you should whiten your teeth while breastfeeding and being pregnant. That means you’re thinking about yourself. You’re thinking about something that would make you feel better and you’re not ignoring your needs.

Also, I am happy you’re analyzing breastfeeding and teeth whitening because you’re still putting your baby first. By the end of this article, you’ve learned that this treatment has consequences and should be taken seriously. Any kind of unnecessary treatment should be avoided right now.

If you want to spoil yourself with something, find another thing. I support your wish to care for yourself and look good, just do something that won’t be risky for you or your baby.