Dental health is vital

Pregnancy and Tooth whitening: What You Need to Know

by Felecia Butler

If you are pregnant and unhappy about the colour of your teeth, you may be considering undergoing a tooth whitening procedure. It has been reported that using chemicals to whiten your teeth during pregnancy may not be a safe choice. For this reason, you are unlikely to find a cosmetic dentist who will be willing to perform the procedure during pregnancy. However, you do have some other options which you can use to whiten your smile while pregnant.

Scale and Polish

Your dentist will be able to perform a scale and polish on your teeth to remove build ups of tartar and plaque which can discolour your teeth. Having your teeth scaled and polished can also help to combat dental health problems associated with pregnancy such as gum disease.

Whitening Toothpaste

Once you have had your teeth cleaned, you should look into investing in a tube of whitening toothpaste. A whitening toothpaste will not pose a risk to your unborn child and can help to eliminate and prevent staining on your teeth, making your smile shine.

Natural Remedies

While natural whitening remedies do not have the same power as a professional whitening bleach, they can help to lighten the shade of your teeth. Below are 3 natural ways to whiten teeth:

  • Baking Soda: Brushing your teeth with baking soda can create a mildly abrasive paste which can help to lift stains from the surface of your teeth. However, you should be careful to only use baking soda as a toothpaste periodically. Overuse could cause damage to your tooth enamel.
  • Pineapple: Pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain. A study carried out by the National Center for Biotechnology Information found that this enzyme can help to remove stains. The fibrous texture of fruit such as pineapple can also help to remove any build up of plaque from your teeth as you bite into it. However, the juices contained within fruit are high in sugar, so you should be sure to brush your teeth after eating pineapple.
  • Oil pulling: Oil pulling involves using an organic oil such as coconut or vegetable oil to remove staining from the teeth. Simply rinse a small amount of oil around your mouth for several minutes before spitting it out and rinsing your mouth with water.

If you have any questions or concerns about teeth whitening during pregnancy, you should contact a cosmetic dentist who will be able to offer advice and assistance to you. Once you have given birth, you should be able to undergo professional whitening treatment.

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