Tooth Whitening Precautions in Pregnancy: Is It a Risky Move?
Pregnancy can bring about numerous changes in a woman's body, and oral health is no exception. When it comes to teeth whitening, it's essential to tread carefully due to the lack of conclusive safety studies.
Teeth bleaching, a technique used for whitening teeth enamel, is generally not recommended during pregnancy. Dentists typically advise postponing professional teeth whitening treatments until after delivery to avoid any possible harm to the developing fetus. This is because chemical whitening agents, especially peroxide-based products, might pose unknown risks during pregnancy [1][5].
However, dental treatments involving local anesthetics and general dental care have been shown to be safe during pregnancy [3]. For pregnant women seeking safer alternatives to chemical teeth bleaching, several natural and mild options can help maintain or slightly improve tooth colour without significant risk:
- Whitening toothpaste with non-abrasive ingredients and fluoride is generally considered safe and can gradually reduce surface stains, though it is less effective than professional bleaching [5].
- Natural home remedies such as gentle brushing with baking soda or oil pulling with coconut oil can help reduce staining mildly. However, these methods do not bleach teeth deeply and should be used cautiously with dental advice to ensure safety [5].
- Professional dental cleaning and polishing can effectively remove surface stains and plaque, leading to a brighter smile without the use of bleaching chemicals and is safe during pregnancy [5].
Use of hydrogen peroxide even in low concentrations, lemon juice, charcoal pastes, or other DIY bleaching methods is not recommended during pregnancy due to insufficient safety data and potential damage to oral tissues [2][5].
Alternatively, natural teeth whiteners that are safe to use during pregnancy include strawberries and orange peel. Strawberries contain malic acid which can help dissolve dental stains, but should not be left on teeth for long as it can damage teeth enamel. Turmeric powder can be used to brush teeth gently for teeth whitening [4].
It's crucial to discuss any teeth whitening options with a doctor or dentist before use. Pregnancy gingivitis, which causes inflamed gums due to hormonal flux during pregnancy, can be managed by maintaining good oral hygiene and regular dental appointments for teeth cleaning and monitoring periodontal disease, which can lead to premature labor and low birth weight in newborns [6].
In summary, delaying chemical teeth whitening during pregnancy is the safest approach, while relying on good oral hygiene, professional dental cleaning, and mild natural methods for maintaining tooth appearance until after childbirth [1][5]. It's always best to consult with a healthcare professional for personalised advice.
References: [1] American Dental Association (2020). Pregnancy and Oral Health. [Online] Available at: https://www.ada.org/en/public-programs/health-information-for-the-public/pregnancy-and-oral-health
[2] American Pregnancy Association (2021). Tooth Whitening and Pregnancy. [Online] Available at: https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/prenatal-care-preterm-labour/tooth-whitening-and-pregnancy/
[3] American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (2013). Dental Care During Pregnancy. [Online] Available at: https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2013/06/dental-care-during-pregnancy
[4] Healthline (2019). 7 Natural Ways to Whiten Your Teeth. [Online] Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/natural-teeth-whitening
[5] Mayo Clinic (2020). Tooth whitening: Safe during pregnancy? [Online] Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/expert-answers/tooth-whitening-safe-during-pregnancy/faq-20058406
[6] American Pregnancy Association (2021). Periodontal Disease and Pregnancy. [Online] Available at: https://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-complications/periodontal-disease-and-pregnancy/
