For some women, pregnancy is a period when they glow up and get pretty. For some others, it looks like they have been literally dragged through the mud. Due to the hormones at work during pregnancy, she will definitely feel a lot of things like bloated feeling, puffy, greasy, and at this point, she may also experience changes in her body and skin, some of which may not be accepted. A lot can go through her mind, including teeth brightening.
Truthfully, teeth whitening is not recommended for any woman that is pregnant. You can find out more about the implications by contacting us. If you want to improve your smile during pregnancy, there are more options available for you.
How safe are professional teeth whitening?
Professional teeth whitening at the dentist or in-office whitening, as it is sometimes called, mostly involves a process known as dental bleaching. This process involves the use of highly concentrated hydrogen peroxide to remove stubborn dental stains.
The procedure variations may differ; however, it involves using a chemical solution applied on the teeth and removed after a while. While no evidence exists that teeth whitening is dangerous for pregnant women, no existing evidence is safe. This is probably because the percentage of the chemical used is higher than we usually are exposed to.
Possible risks of teeth whitening to mother and baby
During pregnancy, almost everything carries a slightly-higher-than-normal risk. This is because the pregnant woman is vulnerable to infection, illness and injury. Although there are no evident risks, the theoretical risks include:
- Tooth sensitivity: If you have used a teeth whitening product before and you ended up being sensitive to everything, it is probably because the high concentration of hydrogen peroxide seeped through your enamel and affected your nerves. As everything is heightened during pregnancy, the sensitivity effects would also be expected to be heightened.
- Tissue damage: Due to the increase in hormones, pregnant women are more susceptible to developing gingivitis, which is often caused by swelling and inflammation of the gums. Applying hydrogen peroxide in concentrated levels to inflamed gums can lead to further damage and discomfort.
- Unknown effects on baby: Although hydrogen peroxide may be totally harmless to a developing baby, there is no way to find out due to a lack of research and information. However, it is better to play it safe than risking harm.
How safe are traditional home whitening kits?
The safety of the over-the-counter whitening kits is not guaranteed. The fact that they are picked up from a pharmacy does not make them any safer.
It is even better to get professional teeth whitening from a dentist instead of going for an over-the-counter kit. Teeth whitening by a professional is definitely safer than a DIY process.
What about whitening toothpaste and mouthwashes?
Although not all whitening toothpaste contains hydrogen peroxide.The ones that do, contain very little that pose no risk. On that note, toothpaste is safe for use.
Mouthwashes, on the other hand, are a bit more complicated. And while some regard them as safe even during pregnancy, some others do not because some mouthwash products contain alcohol. Unless it is necessary for your health, mouthwash is not advised during pregnancy.
Whitening your teeth naturally
If you really want to whiten your teeth during pregnancy, you can adopt some natural options. They include:
- Coconut oil: Oil pulling can reduce the number of bacteria in the mouth and improve your oral hygiene, thereby clearing the way for brighter teeth.
- Pineapple: The enzymes present in pineapple can do much good in the body, including removing stains from teeth. Plus, it is safe during pregnancy.
- Raw veggies: Chewing on hard, crunchy, healthy food can limit the amount of plaque that causes the yellowing of teeth.
- Baking soda: When mixed with water, baking soda can cause an abrasive paste that is very effective in stain removal from the outside of the teeth, leaving them whiter.
Oral hygiene during pregnancy
Brushing twice daily is an essential dental routine irrespective of the season and period, including pregnancy. It is also necessary to regularly visit your dentist during pregnancy because pregnant women are prone to oral health issues such as gingivitis, enamel erosion, and cavities. Maintaining good oral hygiene can ensure warding off various dental problems, including the yellowing of teeth. To top it all, visiting your dentist for regular cleaning will help prevent subsequent dental issues.
For more information, contact us at Teeth Whitening London when you visit here. Find out more about teeth whitening and the safety of teeth whitening procedures when you contact us for help.
