Teeth whitening is an elective cosmetic treatment. Professional teeth whitening sessions are typically performed in dental offices, and home whitening kits are available in stores as well. While teeth whitening may be an appealing procedure during pregnancy, it is best to evaluate the safety of anything that could potentially harm the unborn baby.
Appeal in Pregnancy
Teeth whitening may be appealing for a pregnant woman. Since your body is going through so many changes, some which can be unpleasant, you may find yourself wishing to improve a part of your appearance that you have control over. If you regularly whiten your teeth, you may want to continue your treatments during your pregnancy.
Evidence
Some bleaching agents contain peroxide, which causes oxidation that can harm tissues and cells. Other teeth whiteners use microabrasion, which requires acidic components to whiten teeth. It is unknown if these methods are safe during pregnancy. Genetic counselor Lori Wolfe states that there is no evidence to indicate that teeth whitening is safe or unsafe for a pregnant women.
Safety
Since chemicals in teeth whitening products can accidentally be swallowed and affect the fetus, it is not recommended to use them during pregnancy. Due to the lack of evidence either way, the American Pregnancy Association advises against exposing your unborn baby to any type of risk, even if the risk is minor.
Cleaning
Although teeth whitening is not recommended during pregnancy, regular dental visits and professional cleanings are. Changing hormone levels in pregnancy can cause your gums to swell and bleed, putting you at risk for gum disease that has been linked to preterm delivery.
Recommendations
Talk to your dentist if you're unhappy with the color of your, because tooth discoloration can be caused by an underlying health problem. To keep your teeth clean during pregnancy and prevent discoloration, brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss regularly. Tell your dentist that you are pregnant before your regular check-up.
