Why it is not recommended to bleach your teeth while pregnant or nursing?

Bleaching your teeth or using white strips while pregnant or nursing is probably not harmful, however, it is generally not recommended because there are no studies that show the side effects of the whitening gel during this time. Pregnancy is a very delicate period, and is not worth taking the risk. It is safe to bleach your teeth only after you have given birth and completed breastfeeding.

The peroxide in bleaching causes an oxidation process that can be harmful to tissues and cells. A serious chemical burn will occur if it touches the gum. In this situation, treating a pregnant woman who should be drug free, is difficult.

Microabrasion is another whitening process that uses acidic elements to remove stains and plaque. If you are pregnant and have gum disease already, it may actually worsen. Only very little pregnancy facts relating to microabrasion are available. Excess acid harms teeth and breaks down tooth enamel. Gums also become more sensitive to the whitening treatment. Furthermore, the absorption of fluoride and other chemicals in whiteners through your teeth may pass in negligible amounts to the baby. However, there is no evidence of any connection between teeth whitening and a particular risk to the fetus. But, it is advised to avoid swallowing any toothpaste and rinse thoroughly afterwards. A bit of chemical is unlikely to cause problems in adults, but for a growing fetus, the potential risk is not ruled out.

If you are nursing, there is no problem with gel containing peroxide. It will only whiten natural teeth. It is normal to swallow a little bit of the gel, which is considered harmless. It does not pass in any significant quantity through breast milk. However, it is not advisable to use teeth bleaching gel during pregnancy and nursing, as there is no current research to confirm its hazards.

Tooth bleaching is very safe, with no known harmful effects except for tooth sensitivity. Nevertheless, there is no common agreement among cosmetic dentists on the tooth whitening issue while nursing. But during pregnancy, hormones remain very high and manufacturers' labels warn pregnant mothers against it. You should avoid white-strips or bleaching while pregnant, or even if you think you might be pregnant.

Talk to your trusted cosmetic dentist now to figure out the best options.

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