It’s natural to consider how every action will impact breast milk when someone is lactating or breastfeeding. Many people may wonder can you whiten teeth while breastfeeding.
Generally speaking, most tooth whitening treatments are considered low or no risk with breastfeeding.
We’ll talk about how to take care of your teeth while nursing in this article.
What is Teeth Whitening?
Before we discuss teeth whitening and breastfeeding, it’s important to understand the process and products involved.
Chemical processes are used in the straightforward procedure of teeth whitening to produce whiter teeth. And there are two types of products that may be used: bleaching and non-bleaching.
Hydrogen peroxide and/or carbamide peroxide are the main ingredients in bleaching products.
Peroxide-based ingredients have strong oxidizing properties that correct tooth discoloration.
For the removal of surface-level stains, these bleaching agents are effective. They also eliminate deeper stains that are hidden beneath the tooth enamel and contribute to the discoloration of our natural teeth.
Other non-bleaching teeth whiteners merely clean the teeth of food particles and other debris.
Also Read: Can You Whiten Your Teeth While Pregnant?
Can You Whiten Teeth While Breastfeeding?
Rather than run the risk of contaminating their breast milk or endangering their unborn child while pregnant, many women will simply avoid getting teeth whitening treatments during those times.
So can you whiten your teeth while breastfeeding? It turns out that you don’t need to worry too much.
Research and evidence heavily suggest that any peroxide that you may accidentally swallow while whitening your chompers doesn’t cross into the breast milk that your body produces.
So feel free to brush your teeth white while you breastfeed. You won’t have to worry about your baby ingesting peroxide or other chemicals.
Using Whitening Products While Breastfeeding
Many teeth-whitening products and procedures are considered safe for breastfeeding mothers.
You can choose the method that will whiten your teeth the most effectively for you by being aware of the various ways to achieve those pearly white results.
The most typical techniques for teeth whitening are listed below.
1. Teeth Whitening Pen
The most widely used component in teeth-whitening products is hydrogen peroxide. There are numerous pen varieties that promise to whiten teeth dramatically.
No prescription is required to buy these teeth-whitening pens from retailers or online.
The majority of these pen products use hydrogen peroxide to whiten your tooth enamel, though some only coat the teeth with something akin to paint.
As part of your daily oral hygiene routine, you use these pens as instructed or until the supply runs out.
To get the best results from whitening products, it’s crucial to practice good oral hygiene.
2. Whitening Strips
Whitening strips use hydrogen peroxide, like many other teeth-whitening procedures, to get rid of enamel-surface stains.
These teeth-whitening products can be purchased over the counter or online without a prescription, and tooth discoloration is frequently reduced.
Related Post: Are Whitening Strips Bad for Your Teeth?
3. In-office Whitening
The best teeth-whitening method frequently involves visiting a dentist to have your teeth whitened. While you’re there, your oral health can be examined as well.
Higher concentrations of bleaching agents are used than what you can find in stores or online, and ultraviolet lights are frequently used to hasten the whitening process of whitening gel used in offices.
If it helps you feel better, mentioning that you are a breastfeeding mother when you make an appointment and asking if the procedures are safe for you can give you peace of mind. Dental work for breastfeeding moms typically poses no risk to the lactating mother or baby.
4. Whitening Toothpaste
Using toothpaste to whiten your teeth is a reasonable way to keep your mouth healthy and brighten your smile at the same time.
You should always maintain good oral hygiene, and using whitening toothpaste to get rid of stains on your natural teeth won’t harm them or the breasts you’re nursing from.
5. Take-home Whitening Kits
With lower concentrations and weaker ultraviolet lights, these kits are typically comparable to what you would encounter in a dentist’s office.
Most teeth-whitening products use hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to achieve whiter teeth. These take-home kits have different usage instructions but use the same components.
As long as they are used according to the instructions, they typically pose no risk to nursing mothers.
Conclusion: Can You Whiten Teeth While Breastfeeding
We always advise consulting with your GP or medical practitioner before taking any medication whilst pregnant or breastfeeding.
In general, collaborating with dental experts to improve oral hygiene and dental health is a good idea.
Additionally, they can offer the best guidance for enhancing your smile while still allowing you to feed your baby without risk.
Related Reading: Can You Get a Tattoo While Breastfeeding?
FAQs
Can You Use Teeth Whitening Strips While Breastfeeding?
We do not recommend teeth whitening strips while breastfeeding.
Can You Get Teeth Whitened While Pregnant?
While teeth whitening is safe for women who are pregnant, it is typically not advised due to other oral health issues that might arise.