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Pregnancy is a time of change for the mother. The mother undergoes various bodily changes. The expectant mothers of East Charlotte, North Carolina, often find themselves wanting to improve their smile with teeth whitening procedures. However, they are often faced with the doubt of whether the whitening procedure will harm their baby.
Hormonal changes during pregnancy can increase gum sensitivity. When it comes to teeth whitening, the main concern is regarding the whitening agents used during the process. There is not much research about the effects of the ingredients used in whitening, such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. These may pose risks when absorbed by oral tissues.
To be safe than sorry, many dentists recommend expectant mothers postpone their teeth whitening plans until after their child is born. Besides that, there are other, safer ways to maintain a beautiful smile, such as brushing, flossing, and using non-whitening toothpaste. See a dentist in East Charlotte, NC, today for consultation.
Safety concerns for whitening teeth during pregnancy
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Chemical exposure.
If you are pregnant and looking for a teeth whitening treatment, chemical exposure might be a concern for you. You should know that these teeth-whitening products usually contain chemicals like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which are used to bleach the teeth. These chemicals can get absorbed into your bloodstream through the gums or mouth.
However, it is unclear whether these chemicals can reach the developing fetus or will have any effects on fetal development. Since the full impact is unknown, it is highly recommended that you should avoid these treatments if you are pregnant.
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Gum sensitivity.
Gum sensitivity is another concern during pregnancy. Pregnancy hormones can cause changes in your gums and make them more sensitive or swollen. This issue can make your teeth whitening process painful. The whitening agents, which may already cause some irritation, can make the gum issues worse during pregnancy and lead to even more discomfort or bleeding.
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Lack of research.
There is also a lack of research on the safety of whitening treatments for pregnant women. There are only a few studies that show how whitening agents can affect pregnancy and fetal development.
This lack of information makes it difficult to understand the potential risks of using these products while pregnant. With no detailed research, it is difficult to say if these treatments are completely safe during this time.
Dentist recommendations and guidelines
Most dentists recommend postponing elective cosmetic procedures, including teeth whitening until your baby gets delivered. The main concern is any possible risk to both the mother and the developing baby due to the chemicals used in whitening treatments. Since there is limited research on the safety of this treatment, many professionals avoid it during pregnancy.
Dentists say that maintaining good oral health is very important during pregnancy. It is beneficial for both the mother’s health and the baby’s development. Pregnancy hormones can increase the risk of gum disease.
Therefore, you must take good care of your mouth and focus on preventing issues like cavities and gum inflammation. You must brush and floss your teeth regularly and visit your dentist for regular checkups.
Since teeth whitening treatment is not completely safe, many dentists suggest other safe options like regular dental cleanings for a brighter smile. During this procedure, the dentist can remove plaque and tartar buildup, which can make your teeth white and bright naturally.
Professional cleanings are a safe way to maintain oral health during pregnancy. They keep your teeth looking clean and fresh, and it does not have any risks like whitening treatments.
Considering teeth whitening while pregnant?
If you want to get teeth whitening done but you are afraid of the effects it can have on your pregnancy, consult a dentist. Whitening treatments may pose risks. Do not make a decision without talking to a professional first!
