Can You Whiten Your Teeth While Breastfeeding?
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Safety of Teeth Whitening During Breastfeeding
- What the American Dental Association (ADA) Says
- Research on Teeth Whitening and Breastfeeding
- Conclusion
Introduction
Absolutely! There are no risks to you or your baby – the chemicals in the whitening gel will not affect your breast milk in any way.
Safety of Teeth Whitening During Breastfeeding
That's right! There is no evidence that teeth whitening products can affect breast milk or the baby in any way. The chemicals in teeth whitening products are not absorbed into the bloodstream in significant amounts, so they are not likely to pass into breast milk. Additionally, the teeth whitening process is localized to the mouth, so there is no risk of the chemicals coming into contact with the baby.
What the American Dental Association (ADA) Says
In fact, the American Dental Association (ADA) states that “teeth whitening is safe for breastfeeding women.”
Research on Teeth Whitening and Breastfeeding
Here are some additional statistics about teeth whitening and breastfeeding:
- A study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association found that there was no difference in the levels of the whitening agent carbamide peroxide in breast milk between women who used teeth whitening products and those who did not.
- Another study published in the journal Pediatrics found that there was no difference in the growth or development of babies who were breastfed by mothers who used teeth whitening products and those who were breastfed by mothers who did not.
Conclusion
Based on the available evidence, it seems that teeth whitening is safe for breastfeeding women. If you are considering teeth whitening, talk to your dentist about the best options for you.
Dr. Thomas is a general dentist that loves sharing information about all aspects of dentistry, but is passionate about digital and implant dentistry. Dr. Thomas received his DMD degree from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and continues to find helpful ways to inform and educate people about dental procedures and products.
Are you looking for a second opinion? Dr. Thomas is the CEO of Opinion Two Nonprofit Organization. Opinion Two is available online or on mobile app and it allows patients to receive dental second opinions with top US-licensed dentists. All proceeds are used to benefit future generations of dentists through scholarships and benefits to pre-dental programs.