Can You Whiten Teeth While Pregnant & Breastfeeding? – Is It Safe?

Congratulations! You’ve welcomed a precious little one into the world! What a wonderful blessing and such an exciting time in your life. While there’s no denying that this is such a joyous time, being a new mama is also full of doubts, questions, and concerns.

You want to do the very best for your baby girl or boy, but you also want to make sure you take care of yourself (as the saying goes, “if mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy!”).

Just because you’re a mother, that doesn’t mean that you should let your appearance go by the wayside! You are, after all, still a woman with wants, needs, and desires. How you look really has a big impact on how you feel about yourself. Your appearance can impact your happiness too, because when you look good, well, you just feel good!

With all of that said, when you’re looking at photos of you and your new little bundle of joy or while you’re getting ready for the day (or for bed at night), you notice that your smile is lackluster. You really want to whiten your teeth, but if you’re breastfeeding, you want to make sure that it’s safe to do so.

Everything that a breastfeeding mama puts into her body has the potential to pass on to her baby, and if teeth-whitening products aren’t safe, well, then you definitely don’t want to do it.

But do you have to sacrifice a whiter smile until you’re done breastfeeding?

Read on to find out the answer to this question so that you can enjoy a brighter, whiter smile and, most importantly, a happy, healthy baby.

Is it Safe to Whiten Teeth While Breastfeeding?

Generally speaking, yes. It is totally safe for breastfeeding mamas to whiten their teeth.

However, some people do have differing opinions. If you are concerned about potentially passing anything onto your precious little one that you are worried will harm him or her, consider using natural methods that won’t harm your little one.

What is Teeth Whitening, Anyway?

What does the teeth-whitening process actually entail? It can help us gain more clarity on the topic.

As the term suggests, teeth whitening refers to a process that involves whitening the enamel of your teeth. It’s a pretty simple and straightforward treatment that typically involves using special chemicals that create a reaction with the surface of the teeth, making them look brighter and whiter.

There are two types of teeth whitening products that can be used:

• Bleaching
• Non-bleaching

The active ingredient in bleaching products is hydrogen peroxide and/or carbamide peroxide, which have strong oxidizing properties that have the ability to correct discolored teeth.

These types of bleaching products do a good job at removing surface-level stains, as well as deeper stains that sit under the surface of the tooth enamel. Non-bleaching teeth whiteners are designed to remove food and other debris from the surface of the teeth, giving them a whiter appearance.

Although not dangerous, some mothers may want to play it safe and use no chemical products.

Natural Teeth Whitening Methods Safe For Breastfeeding Mothers

For anyone cautious of using any chemical products, try these natural teeth whitening methods.

1. Oil Pulling

Pulling and pushing oil through the teeth and mouth on a daily basis is an effective way to whiten and brighten the teeth. In fact, many naturopaths recommend ditching manufactured toothpastes and just sticking to oil pulling. Bacteria from the food that you eat and the beverages that you drink can cause yellowing of the teeth.

Oil pulling helps to remove the stains. This practice originated in India a long time ago. In fact, most Indians use this process for cleaning their teeth and whitening their smiles.

To give oil pulling a try, simply place a small amount of organic coconut oil into your mouth, and use your lips and tongue to push and pull it through your teeth. While there isn’t any scientific proof that verifies the effects of oil pulling for teeth whitening, many swear by it. Plus, it can help to prevent dental health problems, like gingivitis.

2. Baking Soda

Another all-natural method that you can use to whiten your teeth is baking soda. Baking soda is an ingredient that is commonly used in toothpaste. That’s because it effectively scrubs away stains from the surface of the teeth, thanks to its abrasiveness.

Additionally, the alkaline properties that baking soda possesses can help to prevent bacteria growth that can lead to yellow tooth stains. Do note, however, that this process does take time to see results, so be patient.

3. Hydrogen Peroxide

Another great all-natural method that you can try to whiten your teeth is hydrogen peroxide. Peroxide is H2O2, meaning that it is similar to water, but it contains one extra oxygen molecule, which is pretty cool. Hydrogen peroxide can be used for so many things, from cleaning to wound healing, and it can even help to prevent and treat tumors (yes, we’re serious!). Of course, it can also help to whiten and brighten your teeth.

Hydrogen peroxide is a natural bleaching agent, but it isn’t anywhere near as harsh as standard bleach. It kills bacteria in the mouth that contribute to tooth yellowing. Simply apply some hydrogen peroxide to your toothbrush and brush your teeth.

That’s it! Within a few weeks, you should see a brighter, whiter smile and healthier, happier teeth.