Being pregnant comes with a lot of changes. And it’s difficult to know what’s safe for you and your baby and what’s not.

 

Before you start booking yourself in for a range of professional treatments, you need to be wary — you shouldn’t do certain treatments or undergo certain procedures when you’re pregnant. If you are considering teeth whitening, you must also be careful here.

 

That’s why our trusted dental expert at Enlighten, Dr. Sanjay Patel, has written this helpful guide, including everything you need to know about teeth whitening treatments when pregnant.

 

 

Can you whiten your teeth while you’re pregnant?

 

The jury is still out on whether a tooth-whitening procedure is safe during a pregnancy.

 

There isn’t much data to support that teeth whitening treatments, particularly those involving hydrogen peroxide, pose a risk to your baby. That being said, it’s still highly recommended you wait until after you deliver to have a whitening treatment, whether professional or over-the-counter.

 

If you plan on breastfeeding post-birth, it’s recommended to wait until your baby moves on to solid foods before undergoing teeth whitening treatment.

 

 

Risks of teeth whitening during pregnancy

 

Like with all treatments, there are some risks. Even more so when you’re pregnant.

 

Understanding these risks is key to helping you make an informed decision. Risks can include:

 

1. A Lack of Safety Research

 

As mentioned before, limited scientific research exists on the effects of teeth whitening during pregnancy. Most reputable dental professionals recommend avoiding elective procedures like whitening because it is not yet known how they can impact foetal development.

 

2. Chemical Exposure

 

Most whitening treatments use hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to bleach stains. While there’s no direct evidence that these chemicals harm a developing baby, the lack of research means it's better to err on the side of caution and wait until after you deliver.

 

3. Increased Gum Sensitivity

 

Pregnancy hormones can heighten the risk of gingivitis and gum sensitivity, leading to swelling, bleeding, and tenderness. Whitening products may further irritate the gums and lead to discomfort or even minor tissue damage.

 

4. Enamel Weakening & Tooth Sensitivity

 

Pregnant women often experience changes in their saliva production and acidity levels, which can contribute to enamel erosion. Whitening treatments can exacerbate this, leading to heightened tooth sensitivity and discomfort during recovery.

 

5. Potential for Nausea & Ingestion

 

Whitening treatments — especially those using trays or strips — may trigger nausea due to their strong taste and smell, which isn’t ideal for those who are already nauseous during pregnancy.

 

 

How to make your teeth whiter when pregnant?

 

Keeping your mouth healthy and teeth white should be part of your typical day. It’s even more important when you’re pregnant. Hormonal changes weaken your body’s natural defences, making it harder to protect your mouth from harmful bacteria and tooth discolouration.

 

Here are a couple of handy tips to keep in mind:

 

 

1. Prioritise Good Oral Hygiene

 

Stick to a good oral care routine twice a day to prevent plaque build-up and yellowing to keep your teeth white. You should:

 

· Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.

 

· Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to prevent gum irritation.

 

· Floss daily to remove plaque and food particles between teeth.

 

· Use alcohol-free fluoride mouthwash to reduce bacteria.

 

For more tips on maintaining good oral hygiene, read our other guide. 

 

 

2. Use a Whitening Toothpaste

 

Choose a pregnancy-safe whitening toothpaste that contains mild abrasives rather than strong bleaching agents. It’s also best to avoid toothpaste with peroxide or charcoal — these can irritate gums and wear down enamel.

 

3. Drink Smart to Prevent Stains

 

If you want the whitest teeth, you might have to put cravings aside and be careful what you drink. Here are some tips:

 

· Use a straw when drinking tea, Coke, or other staining beverages.

 

· Rinse your mouth with water after meals to wash away pigments.

 

· Avoid dark sodas, excessive coffee, and red wine, which can stain teeth.

 

 

Try Enlighten for whiter teeth and a fresher mouth

 

If you’re looking to return to feeling yourself again, why not start with Enlighten’s professional whitening treatment? We offer a tailored, gentle treatment to improve the health and beauty of your teeth.

 

Visit one of our certified dentists for the perfect, non-invasive professional treatment to keep your smile bright. It’s extremely safe and guarantees you the brightest B1 shade.

 

In need of a new toothpaste to help keep your results? Browse our Enlighten Duo Care, which contains Enlighten White and Enlighten Serum. The first will help you clean, whiten and protect during the day, and the second will repair, regenerate and desensitise overnight!

 

Looking for more exciting reads? Explore our expert guides for tips, advice, and the latest updates to help you maintain a confident, glowing smile.

 

 

FAQs

1. Are Enlighten’s whitening treatments safe to do when pregnant?

 

Although Enlighten’s treatment is extremely safe, we advise that you wait until after you’ve delivered before proceeding. We also do not recommend whitening treatments for nursing mums.

 

 

2. Can I use teeth whitening strips while pregnant?

 

It’s not recommended to use teeth whitening strips while pregnant. Whitening strips typically contain hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which are not proven to be safe or unsafe during pregnancy due to a lack of research.

 

 

3. Can I use a whitening pen while pregnant?

 

Similar to whitening strips — or any treatments containing hydrogen or carbamide peroxide — it’s not recommended to use a whitening pen while pregnant. 

Most whitening pens contain hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, there is a lack of sufficient research on their safety during pregnancy, which is why we advise postponing any teeth whitening treatments.