Dental Guidelines for Laser Teeth Whitening for Pregnant and Nursing Women

Laser teeth whitening is a popular type of smile restoration that helps remove years of stains for more beautiful teeth. Still, certain groups may need to avoid this type of treatment for health reasons. Just as with many other practices, the rules for teeth whitening are different for pregnant and nursing mothers, and it is important to understand the reasoning behind them.

Pregnancy guidelines

Much has been learned about the effect of certain foods and chemicals on unborn babies, leading to a rather long list of things to avoid during pregnancy. When in doubt, speak with a doctor about what is considered safe during this time.

Keeping mother and baby safe

During pregnancy, almost everything that is consumed or absorbed by the mother is transferred to the developing baby. This includes the hydrogen peroxide that is present in most professional and over-the-counter whitening products. It is highly unlikely that this chemical is absorbed in large enough amounts to cause developmental harm. However, there is not enough research to determine whether or not this type of treatment is 100% safe for unborn babies. Therefore, experts recommend that pregnant women do not use any type of teeth whitening treatment, including laser teeth whitening.

Alternatives for expectant mothers

While it is safest to avoid whitening treatments while pregnant, there are natural ways a mother-to-be can maintain a beautiful smile. First and foremost, it is important to keep up with routine dental care. The physical changes that occur during pregnancy can cause an increase in gum inflammation and irritation. Some women schedule additional cleanings as an extra precaution against decay and disease during this time.

Baking soda is a simple home remedy that can be used to help whiten teeth. However, patients should exercise caution when using this method. Baking soda is abrasive and can harm tooth enamel when used too often or too aggressively.

While whitening treatments, such as gels, trays, and strips, should be avoided during pregnancy, whitening toothpaste is generally considered safe. Still, many experts recommend avoiding products that contain peroxide and alcohol just to be safe. Everyday use of these ingredients could be problematic in expectant mothers.

Nursing guidelines

The rules for monitoring ingredients do not necessarily stop once a baby is born. Mothers who choose to breastfeed still have to be mindful of many things that can be passed to the baby through breastmilk. Fortunately, hydrogen peroxide does not transfer through breastmilk, and laser teeth whitening is perfectly safe for nursing mothers. In fact, it can be a great way for new moms to gain a boost of confidence while doing something positive for themselves.