Can You Whiten Your Teeth While Pregnant Safely?
Expectant mothers want to do everything they can to keep themselves and their child safe. So, it comes as no surprise that many mothers-to-be question whether or not it is safe to whiten their teeth.
It is our goal to help you make an informed decision regarding whether or not to whiten your teeth during pregnancy. The information we have provided here will hopefully address some of the concerns you have about how safe it is to whiten your teeth while pregnant.
Why is There a Concern about Whitening Your Teeth During Pregnancy?
There is concern regarding the ingredients used to whiten teeth. Both at-home teeth whitening kits and in-office whitening procedures use a specific type of dental bleach to brighten and whiten the teeth. It is the use of dental bleach which is concerning to many mothers-to-be.
Dental bleach is created using several chemical compounds, such as carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide. Many expectant mothers are concerned about exposing themselves and their unborn child to these chemicals.
Is Teeth Whitening Safe During Pregnancy?
It is difficult to give a straight “yes” or “no” answer about whether or not it is safe to whiten your teeth while pregnant. It is difficult to answer this question because there hasn’t been enough research done on this specific topic.
The dental bleach that is used to whiten the teeth is safe to use while pregnant. However, research does suggest that problems could occur when it is used in high quantities or in large concentrations. Since there is a possibility that health problems could occur, most healthcare providers and dentists will recommend that expectant mothers wait until after their pregnancy to whiten their teeth.
If you absolutely must have your teeth whitened while pregnant it is important to do it in a safe way
Using a randomly purchased at-home teeth whitening kit may be cost-effective, but it could be harmful to your health. Some of those at-home teeth whitening kits contain high amounts of harmful dental bleach. That is why it is important to work with your dentist to find a safe teeth whitening solution.
Your dentist will be able to listen to your concerns and answer the question “Is Teeth Whitening Safe During Pregnancy?” more thoroughly. Taking those concerns into account, your dentist can provide you with recommendations that will keep you safe. Some of the recommendations that can be given include specific at-home kits that use safe bleaching agents, in-office teeth whitening procedures, or all-natural teeth whitening solutions.
Schedule an Appointment for a Professional Dental Cleaning and Teeth Whitening
It is important to make sure that no matter how busy you get preparing for the arrival of your child you make time to schedule an appointment for a routine professional dental cleaning especially if you want to keep your teeth bright and white.
During a professional dental cleaning, the hygienist or dentist can remove tartar that has built up around your teeth. This tartar buildup can often give your teeth a slightly yellowed, discolored look. Once the tartar is removed your teeth may appear whiter and brighter.
A professional dental cleaning isn’t just important because it brightens your smile. It is important because it gives your dental team the opportunity to diagnosis various dental problems that could impact the health of you or your unborn child.
If left untreated some dental problems, such as gingivitis or periodontal disease, could cause low birth weight for your child, cause birth defects, or even result in preterm deliveries. Hygienists and dentists are trained to look for these types of dental problems during a routine examination. If these dental problems are present, treatment can be started right away and your health and the health of your child can be protected.
Need to schedule a routine professional dental cleaning or want to discuss concerns about is teeth whitening safe during pregnancy? Artistic Touch Dentistry can help you. Call our office today to schedule an appointment. Our Melbourne Florida dentist looks forward to welcoming you to our dental family.