Teeth Whitening Whilst Pregnant: Is It Safe?
Only dental whitening uses prescription gels and custom made trays - contact us for options, prices and pay monthly finance.
There is no scientific proof that teeth whitening or teeth bleaching is harmful during pregnancy. However, dentists and healthcare professionals such as the NHS (1) generally recommend to avoid these treatments while you are expecting. Let’s go into more detail.
Teeth whitening whilst pregnant: Is it safe?
Dentists advise against teeth whitening during pregnancy because there is a lack of research surrounding whitening agents such as hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide. For this reason, Yorkshire Dental Suite also recommends postponing your procedure while breastfeeding.
DIY teeth whitening when pregnant
DIY teeth whitening comes with even more risks than in-clinic treatments or professional kits, and should not be carried out while pregnant. This is because you do not have the supervision of a trained dentist. In addition to this, DIY kits and homemade concoctions lack proper testing, so its effects are undetermined.
Tips for maintaining a white smile during pregnancy
While teeth whitening for pregnant women is inexpedient, you are still able to maintain a bright, confident smile during your journey to parenthood. This can be done by following the guidance below:
- Maintain a great oral hygiene routine: This means brushing twice a day and cleaning between the teeth with a flosser.
- Consider your diet: Staining food and drinks will accelerate the rate of tooth discolouration.
- Attend a dental check-up: Your dentist will be able to give you oral health care tips and check your mouth is in a healthy condition.
- Do not drink or smoke: Not only are these habits recognised to be harmful to both the mother and child, but they also contribute to discolouration.
Teeth whitening after pregnancy
When your dentists and doctors have deemed it safe, you can start to explore your teeth whitening options after giving birth. There are many dental treatments to choose from - consult with your dentist to see which is the most suitable for you.
Treatment | How does it work? | Effectiveness rating |
|---|---|---|
In-clinic teeth whitening | A whitening agent is activated by special lasers and lights. Carried out by a dental professional. | 10/10 |
At-home teeth whitening kit | Typically features teeth whitening syringes and mouth trays to brighten smiles from home. | 7/10 |
Nanofill Composite Bonding® | Our exclusive dental bonding procedure that targets discolouration, chips, cracks and gaps. | 10/10 |
Natural whitening methods | Ingredients found in your cupboard are believed to have a whitening effect, e.g., baking soda. | 3/10 |
Teeth whitening strips and pens | Uses whitening gels to quickly whiten teeth. Widely available online and over the counter. | 5/10 |
Conclusion: Teeth whitening and pregnancy is not a recommended pairing. However, Yorkshire Dental Suite can support your oral health during pregnancy and give you a gleaming white smile once you have given birth. Contact us today. References: