There are many reasons to whiten your teeth: before attending a wedding, for example. But what would be a simple decision for most women becomes a little more complicated for those who are pregnant. Are teeth whitening Mississauga and pregnancy a bad combination?
In its recommendations on dental care during pregnancy, the American Dental Association does not comment on professional teeth whitening. There simply haven’t been enough studies to know for sure whether bleaching chemicals can harm the fetus. The chemicals used in the process are considered safe; but when considering their unborn baby, many moms exercise an extra dose of caution.
What we do know is that professional teeth whitening Mississauga products do not usually warn against their use by pregnant women. It is best to talk to your professional whitening dentist and follow their advice.
Teeth whitening chemicals
Commercial teeth whitening products contain hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. Dentists use a higher concentration of whitening agents than those found in over-the-counter products. Whitening toothpaste, rinses or gel strips contain between 3 and 20% peroxide. Professional teeth whitening products contain between 15 and 43%. Also, the standard teeth whitening cost in Mississauga ranges from $500-$1,500.
Peroxide solutions are not dangerous in the quantities used for bleaching. Ingestion may cause nausea, but only in very large quantities. The small amount that may be accidentally swallowed during teeth whitening is considered harmless and is unlikely to harm the fetus. Peroxide is rapidly metabolized if ingested and is not transmitted to the fetus. For the same reason, it should not pass from the mother’s body into breast milk either.
While this might seem to indicate that teeth whitening Mississauga during pregnancy is okay, there is still no comprehensive data to support that conclusion. Consider things that were once common and that pregnant women now avoid. Medical research in recent decades has uncovered the dangers of things like hair dye, caffeine, tuna, and deli meats.
Some doctors and dentists have no problem recommending teeth whitening to their pregnant patients; Others may have different advice, depending on the trimester of pregnancy. Since whitening is purely cosmetic, its potential benefits may not even outweigh the potential risk to the fetus.
Gum problems, teeth whitening and pregnancy
Woman performing a teeth whitening procedure during pregnancy.
One risk of teeth whitening is possible damage to gum tissue. The best teeth whitening dentist places a protective barrier over the gums during whitening, but the process can still be harmful to the health of the gums. Some homemade products can also cause sensitivity and irritation, especially if used incorrectly or too frequently.
Soreness and redness of the gums are sometimes associated with pregnancy. Compared to 30% of the entire adult population, 60% to 75% of pregnant women suffer from gingivitis. Gingivitis is an early stage of periodontitis, commonly called gum disease. Fluctuating hormones contribute to the condition.
While whitening your teeth during pregnancy may not be harmful to the baby, it can worsen the mother’s already swollen gums. Not only is periodontal disease painful, it may require invasive procedures such as periodontal scaling and root planning.
Enamel damage and tooth sensitivity
A couple of things during pregnancy can make your teeth more susceptible to cavities and other dental health problems. First, cravings can cause mothers-to-be to reach for more sugary snacks that could contribute to cavities. Second, there is a possibility of more acid in your mouth due to morning sickness. If not cleaned thoroughly and properly, this can corrode tooth enamel, increasing the likelihood of cavities.
Teeth whitening compounds can also weaken tooth enamel, especially if they are applied too frequently or in very high concentrations. Teeth whitening Mississauga puts additional pressure on enamel that is already compromised due to pregnancy.
Even if it has been proven completely safe to whiten teeth during pregnancy, there are several reasons why an expectant mother might want to avoid it.
Some pregnant women have trouble even brushing their teeth during pregnancy. The taste or smell of toothpaste may make them nauseous. The act of brushing and flossing your teeth can trigger an extra sensitive gag reflex.
If this is the case, whitening treatments may be uncomfortable. They may find the taste and smell of chemicals unpleasant. The procedure itself may make you gag, not to mention having to sit on the chair of the teeth whitening dentist for an extended period of time.
While none of these things are potentially dangerous, they can put women off treatments while they are pregnant.
Alternatives to teeth whitening
There are a few things a pregnant woman can try to brighten her smile without teeth whitening products. First of all, good oral hygiene is always essential. It may not make teeth much whiter, but a clean mouth and fresh breath are always a good thing.
Pregnant patients should also keep up with their regular dental appointments and cleanings. A professional cleaning that removes plaque can significantly whiten your teeth without any additional chemicals.
Some women switch to decaffeinated coffee or soft drinks during pregnancy. These will dull your teeth as much as their caffeinated counterparts. Using products that do not stain your teeth can help avoid the need for whiteners.
Although most are not scientifically proven, some people swear by home whitening remedies, such as brushing your teeth with baking soda, rinsing with apple cider vinegar, or certain properties of fruits such as papaya and pineapple. Pregnant women should discuss the pros and cons of any of these with their doctor, including whether or not they really work.
If a woman really wants to use a whitening product, she should use an over-the-counter toothpaste or rinse. The amount of peroxide exposure is reduced by using home products instead of professional whitening at the dentist. Just remember that it won’t eliminate exposure completely. It is best to check the peroxide concentration in any product and avoid excessive use.
Postpone teeth whitening
If you want to whiten your teeth cosmetically by a professional dentist, it’s perfectly understandable however it is crucial to ensure whether you can pay the cosmetic teeth whitening cost mentioned above. There are many cases where you will want your smile to be at its best. But you also want what’s best for the fetus, so it’s no surprise that some people are conflicted.
Our best advice is to broach the topic with a doctor to assess the potential risks to both you and your baby.
Afflux Dentistry
Afflux Dentistry provides all your dentistry needs to achieve your best smile. Our Mississauga dentists can manage all of your dental needs, from check-ups to implants and restorations. We make sure you’re comfortable and happy every time you visit.
For just a simple cleaning, or that smile you are looking to bring to your face, Afflux Dentistry hits the spot. Visit our website www.Affluxdentistry.ca to book your appointment.
