Is Teeth Whitening Safe for Pregnant or Breastfeeding Women
Nowadays, it appears that practically all celebrities and influencers have had dental work done, and everybody else followed. Does it matter whether I am pregnant or breastfeeding? Which ones are safe to use: strips, toothpastes, or blue light therapy? Let's have a look at some of these items and their constituents.
1. Whitening Strips
Most teeth whitening treatments contain substances that have not been extensively investigated in pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, if the product is used as indicated on the teeth (rather than ingested), it is unlikely that a considerable quantity will reach the pregnant person's system or breast milk. Let's take a deeper look at some of the typical elements.
Carbamide Peroxide
When carbamide peroxide comes into touch with organic substances in living tissues, it breaks down into urea and hydrogen peroxide. Urea is a molecule that results from protein breakdown and is commonly used in lotions to increase hydration. Urea is naturally occurring in the body and is present in breast milk. Because the body can eliminate huge amounts of urea, exposure to tiny to moderate levels is unlikely to raise the risk of birth abnormalities or have any negative consequences on the breastfed child.
Hydrogen peroxide is used as an antibacterial element in cosmetics and personal care products to prevent the growth of germs. It also oxidizes spots on the teeth, whitening them. When hydrogen peroxide comes into touch with your teeth, it decomposes into water and oxygen gas molecules. It is unlikely to increase the risk of birth abnormalities or nursing complications.
Sodium Hydroxide
This component is often found in both industrial and household items, such as soap. It is harmful to tissues and should not be ingested or breathed. When used in dental preparations, they change the pH of the mouth to better protect the teeth. There has been no human research on sodium hydroxide in pregnancy or nursing. However, due to the possibility of maternal alkalosis (an rise in the body's pH), caution should be exercised when an individual has renal difficulties during pregnancy or nursing.
Glycerin
Glycerin is a colorless, odorless, sweet glycerol (sugar alcohol) that is used as a lubricant in many cosmetic items, including toothpaste, shaving cream, and soaps. Glycerin enters the placenta in modest doses, although there have been no human investigations on it. However, glycerin in teeth whitening is unlikely to raise the risk of complications for a pregnant woman or a breastfed child.
Menthol
Menthol is a popular flavoring and scent ingredient in a wide range of cosmetic goods. There has been no research in humans on the use of menthol during pregnancy or nursing. However, animal evidence showed no increase in birth abnormalities.
Carbomer
Carbomer is widely utilized as a thickening agent and emulsifier in medicines and other items. Carbomer is used as a thickening in teeth whitening strips and can be found in minor concentrations in some brands. Because of the carbomer's huge molecular size and the minimal amount used in these goods, it is unlikely to cause difficulties during pregnancy or enter breast milk in quantities that are harmful to a nursing infant.
2. Whitening Toothpaste
Sodium Monophosphate
Most toothpastes contain Sodium Monofluorophosphate (MFP), a sodium compound that increases fluoride levels in enamel to prevent cavities. No study has been conducted during pregnancy, thus it is uncertain whether it poses complications for the infant. Because sodium monofluorophosphate might have negative side effects if swallowed, it should be used with caution during pregnancy and while nursing.
Sodium Fluoride
Sodium fluoride is a colorless or white powder that dissolves in liquids. Sodium fluoride is commonly used to prevent dental cavities, polish teeth, and eliminate mouth odor. Sodium fluoride can be present in drinking water. Consuming these chemicals in excess during pregnancy may damage the development of the baby's teeth. Sodium fluoride enters the breastmilk in trace levels and is unlikely to harm a breastfed newborn.
3. Blue Light (LED) Therapy
This procedure is only effective in regions where light can reach, and it typically requires a combination of photosynthesizing medications to activate the chemicals and help whiten the teeth. This blue (LED) light treatment is administered using gels or strips containing some of the chemicals listed above. There is little study into the use of blue light therapy during pregnancy or nursing. However, the light is not predicted to raise the incidence of birth abnormalities or have any negative impact on a breastfed newborn.