Bleaching Teeth During Pregnancy – Is It Safe?

We all want our pearly whites to stay white and shine always, but if you’re pregnant and are thinking of undergoing teeth whitening procedures, then you will have to check whether or not it’s safe. Some women experience dental problems during pregnancy such as gum problems or stained or discoloured teeth. In either case, a pregnant woman must check with her doctor regarding the need for dental treatment. This article will inform you about bleaching teeth, and the safety and risks of the same during pregnancy.

What Is Teeth Bleaching?

Teeth bleaching is a technique used for whitening teeth enamel, which makes the teeth shine and bright. There are two ways to brighten the teeth. The first option is using a whitening toothpaste, and the other is consulting a professional for the same. Whether you use a toothpaste or consult a professional, peroxides will be used in various concentrations to bleach the teeth.

Can You Get Your Teeth Bleached While Pregnant?

There’s not enough evidence to confirm that bleaching or whitening teeth during pregnancy poses any risks for the mom-to-be or the baby, but to avoid taking any chances while pregnant, it’s best avoided. There is not enough evidence that confirms the dangerous effects of bleaching teeth during pregnancy. But peroxides above a certain concentration in the body have been shown to cause tissue injuries. It’s important to keep this in mind when using peroxide toothpaste, where the chances of swallowing it are higher. The best thing to do is delay the bleaching treatment until after delivery.

Pregnancy Gingivitis and Teeth Whitening

You may want to whiten your teeth post-pregnancy if you have pregnancy gingivitis. This condition causes inflamed gums due to the hormonal flux during pregnancy. These hormones increase blood circulation in the gums, making them prone to inflammation and bleeding. You can avoid this by maintaining teeth hygiene. In case, you want to whiten your teeth, check with your doctor because the peroxide in the teeth whitening bleach can worsen your already sensitive gums.

Natural Teeth Whiteners That Are Safe to Use During Pregnancy

If you have discoloured or stained teeth while pregnant and you wish to whiten them, you can use natural teeth whiteners. Below is a list of pregnancy safe teeth whiteners you can use after checking with your doctor.

1. Strawberries

Take a fresh strawberry and mash it in a bowl along with some toothpaste. Using your finger or your toothbrush apply this mixture on your teeth. After five to ten minutes, wash out the mixture, then brush and floss properly to remove any strawberry pieces that might have gotten lodged between your teeth. Strawberries contain malic acid which can help dissolve dental stains. But you should not leave it for long, as the malic acid can damage teeth enamel.

2. Orange Peel

You can take an orange peel and brush your teeth with it. Make sure you cover both the front and back surfaces of your teeth. After repeating this a few times, rinse your mouth. The mild fruit acids and vitamin C present in oranges are great for teeth and can help with teeth discoloration considerably.

3. Lemon Juice and Salt

Take some lemon juice in a bowl; add half a teaspoon of salt to the juice and some water, and mix well. Rub this mixture across your teeth. Don’t use this technique if your gums are sensitive or if you are on a reduced salt diet.

4. Turmeric

Put some turmeric powder on your wet toothbrush and then brush your teeth gently in circular motions. Then rinse.

5. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has malic acid too, just like strawberries and can be used to remove teeth strains in diluted form. To use apple cider vinegar, add half a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to a cup of water. Mix well and gargle with this solution before brushing your teeth. You can try this remedy twice or thrice a week.

Before you try to whiten your teeth with using any of the above natural remedies, do check with your doctor first. Further, you can discuss with your dentist about your options regarding teeth bleaching during pregnancy. Either way, remember to make your dental appointments regular, so your teeth can be cleaned of tartar or the yellowish hardened plaque which stains your teeth. Make sure that your dentist keeps an eye out for periodontal disease, which can lead to premature labour and low birth weight in newborns.

Also Read:

How to Prevent Root Canal in Pregnancy?
Home Remedies for Tooth Pain and Bleeding Gums during Pregnancy