One of the safest ways to whiten teeth while breastfeeding is to use a gentle whitening toothpaste. Look for toothpastes containing baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and fluoride to help whiten teeth and minimize bacteria.
Another safe option is to use dental strips and trays and check with your dentist for specific instructions. If a woman doesn’t want to use products that contain bleach, she can try activated charcoal, which is a natural product made from coconut shells.
Still, you should check with your doctor before using any teeth whitening products for safety and to ensure that the tooth whitening product is not hazardous to your baby. You should also be aware that tooth whitening products may not be as effective on heavily discolored teeth or teeth that have been stained due to smoking and other habits.
After whitening, it is important to maintain good oral care habits, such as brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing regularly and using a fluoride mouth rinse. Additionally, you should consider cutting back on sugary and acidic drinks and snacks, both of which can lead to cavities and tooth discoloration.
Are Crest White Strips safe while nursing?
Crest White Strips are safe to use while nursing. Using creams or whitening gels that contain peroxide is not generally recommended while nursing, but the active ingredient in Crest White Strips, Hydrogen Peroxide, is different and much weaker than the peroxide found in other whitening products.
In fact, Crest White Strips contain 3 percent Hydrogen Peroxide, which is significantly less than the concentration found in other whitening products and is classified as ‘safe to use’ according to the American Dental Association’s safety guidelines.
Moreover, the Hydrogen Peroxide is in an adhesive form, making it unlikely that it will enter the bloodstream or be ingested by the nursing infant.
So, to answer the question, yes, Crest White Strips are safe to use while nursing. It’s always best to confirm with your doctor or dentist before you begin any whitening treatment in order to be sure.
Can you get your teeth whitened while pregnant or nursing?
No, it is not recommended to get your teeth whitened while pregnant or nursing. Teeth whitening generally involves either chemical or laser treatments, which can have a variety of side effects that could be dangerous for an unborn or nursing baby.
Additionally, there is some evidence that the chemicals used in teeth whitening may pass through breast milk, so this should be avoided while nursing.
If you are pregnant or nursing and want to whiten your teeth, the safest option is to use a natural teeth whitening recipe at home, such as a paste made out of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. However, it is still recommended to speak with your obstetrician or primary care physician before trying any teeth whitening treatment while pregnant or nursing.
How can I whiten my teeth naturally?
There are a few things you can do to naturally whiten your teeth.
Perhaps the simplest way to whiten your teeth is to brush regularly. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time can help to remove plaque and bacteria that causes discolouration on the teeth.
Additionally, flossing regularly can help to remove any food or sugar residue that may have been left between your teeth.
Another way to naturally whiten your teeth is to add foods and drinks to your diet that are known to help whiten your teeth. For example, chewing crunchy fruits and vegetables such as apples, celery, and carrots, as well as drinking plenty of water can all help to keep your teeth clean and white.
In addition, strawberries and bananas are both thought to help naturally whiten teeth thanks to the vitamin C and malic acid they contain.
You could also try oil pulling as an added measure to clean and whiten your teeth. Swilling a tablespoon of either olive oil or coconut oil in your mouth for 10-20 minutes can help to reduce bacteria and remove stains.
Finally, baking soda and hydrogen peroxide are both mild bleaches that have been proven helpful for whitening teeth. Baking soda is a popular choice for whitening teeth, but it does have an abrasive effect on tooth enamel if used too much or too often.
Hydrogen peroxide is typically used in a 3% solution, which may be applied directly to a toothbrush and used to brush your teeth.
By following a thorough dental hygiene routine and trying some of the natural methods mentioned here, you should find that your teeth lighter and brighter without the need for expensive or potentially harmful bleaches.
Can you use baking soda to whiten teeth while pregnant?
Yes, you can use baking soda to whiten your teeth while pregnant. Baking soda is generally safe for use during pregnancy when used sparingly, as it is natural and abrasive. Baking soda may help to remove surface stains from teeth by gently polishing them.
This can help to make teeth look whiter since it removes external pigments that can cause discoloration.
To use baking soda to whiten teeth while pregnant, simply mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda with enough water to form a paste. Brush the paste onto your teeth and let it sit for 2 minutes before rinsing it off with water.
It is important not to use baking soda more than once a week to prevent damage to the enamel of your teeth. Furthermore, it is advised to avoid using baking soda if you have sensitive teeth, and to speak to your doctor or dentist before attempting to whiten your teeth with baking soda.
Why can’t I use whitening strips when breastfeeding?
It is not recommended to use whitening strips while breastfeeding because they contain chemicals, such as hydrogen peroxide, that may be absorbed through your skin, and then passed on to your baby in your breast milk.
The chemicals in whitening strips can interfere with the delicate balance of hormones in your body, and the hormones which are passed on to your baby in your breast milk. Additionally, whitening strips often cause irritation and sensitivity to some people, so it is possible that the irritation from the whitening strips could result in inflammation and discomfort to the breast and nipples, which can give your baby an upset stomach or cause skin irritation.
Therefore, in order to take the best care of you and your baby, it is highly recommended to avoid using whitening strips while you are breastfeeding.
When should I not use teeth whitening strips?
Teeth whitening strips should not be used if you have delicate teeth or if you have suffered from any kind of gum problems recently. If you have any type of enamel erosion, have dental restorations or have inflammation of the gums, then you should avoid whitening strips.
Evidence has also suggested that individuals who have suffered from oral cancer or have used mouthwash that contains alcohol, may not be suitable for whitening strips. If you have any concerns about using whitening strips, always consult your dentist.
What things should you avoid while breastfeeding?
When breastfeeding, it is important to be mindful of what you are ingesting and exposing yourself to, as it might be passed onto your baby via breast milk. Here are some things to avoid while breastfeeding:
1. Caffeine: Even though small amounts of caffeine are likely to be safe while breastfeeding, it is still recommended to limit your intake. Too much caffeine can lead to restlessness and irritability in infants.
2. Alcohol: When breastfeeding, it is best to avoid alcohol altogether, as it passes into your breast milk and can affect your baby.
3. Smoking: Smoking not only has an impact on the breastfeeding mother, but it also affects the quality of the breast milk that is produced. The nicotine can pass onto the baby through the mother’s milk and lead to a number of health issues.
4. Certain Medications: Certain medications, including certain herbal supplements and over-the-counter medications, can pass into breast milk and have an impact on your baby. It is important to always talk to your healthcare provider before taking any new medications or herbal supplements while breastfeeding.
5. Recreational Drugs: Any type of recreational drugs, including marijuana, can pass on to your baby through your breast milk and affect the baby’s development. It is best to avoid these at all costs and abstain from them while breastfeeding.
Overall, although breastfeeding is an invaluable source of nutrition, comfort, and health benefits for an infant, it is still important to be mindful of what a mother ingests and exposes herself to. Avoiding the above-mentioned things can help ensure that the baby is not exposed to any potential health risks.
Am I supposed to brush my teeth after I use white strips?
Yes, it is important to brush your teeth after using a white strip. While white strips are effective at removing surface discoloration on your teeth and helping to boost your smile, they should not replace brushing, as they do not actually clean your teeth or remove plaque buildup.
If you fail to brush, bacteria can buildup and cause an array of oral hygiene issues. Brushing will help to remove any remaining residue from the strips and keep your mouth feeling clean and healthy.
If you are concerned about your oral hygiene, it is advisable to speak to your dentist who can provide more advice specific to your needs.
What to avoid when using whitening strips?
When using whitening strips, it is important to avoid using them too often. Over-bleaching of the teeth can cause sensitivity, irritation, and increased risk of tooth decay and enamel damage. Additionally, it is important to follow the product instructions for usage and remove the whitening strip at the right time.
Leaving whitening strips on for too long can cause irritation and cause burning of the gums. For people with crowns, veneers, or bonding, whitening strips should be avoided altogether. It is also important to note that whitening strips don’t offer long-term benefits when it comes to whitening.
To keep teeth bright and white over the long term, it is best to prevent stains in the first place. Brushing teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and regular professional cleanings will help to ensure that teeth stay white and healthy for years to come.
Can whitening strips mess up your teeth?
Yes, whitening strips can mess up your teeth if they are used incorrectly or not in accordance with the product’s instructions. The adhesive material used to attach the strips to the teeth can wear away enamel, increasing the risk of sensitivity, cavities, and other oral problems.
Additionally, if the strips are left on too long, it can cause staining or discoloration of the teeth. Overuse of whitening strips can lead to inflammation and irritation of the gums due to the damaging chemicals contained within the strips.
Finally, if the instructions are not followed, the application of the strips could lead to uneven whitening, leaving some areas whiter than others. It is important to consult a dental professional before using any type of at-home teeth whitening product to ensure it is safe and appropriate for your oral health.
What are the disadvantages of teeth whitening strips?
One of the primary disadvantages of teeth whitening strips is that the results are often not as dramatic or long-lasting as you would experience with professional teeth whitening. This can be especially true for those who have deep or persistent staining or yellowing of their teeth.
The strips cannot guarantee a full whitening of your teeth, and can in some cases leave you with uneven whitening.
The strips also contain a peroxide solution, which can be harsh and damaging to your teeth if it is left on too long. This solution can increase the sensitivity of your teeth, which can have a negative effect, especially if you already suffer from sensitive teeth.
In addition, the strips themselves can be quite bulky and uncomfortable to wear, and there are no guarantees they will effectively cover all of your teeth. As a result, there may be some spots on your teeth that simply do not whiten, leaving your smile uneven and potentially disheartening.
Finally, the strips can be expensive, especially compared to an in-office teeth whitening session with a professional. The strips do not always guarantee the desired results, and if you don’t see an improvement you may find yourself needing to spend more money on a professional solution.
What should you not do when whitening your teeth?
When whitening your teeth, you should avoid the following:
• Using abrasive toothpaste or materials, as abrasive materials can damage the enamel of your teeth and increase sensitivity.
• Biting or chewing hard objects such as ice, as this increases the chances of tooth fracture and it can also cause the artificial enamel to wear away.
• Using a bleaching kit that is too powerful, as this can also damage your enamel.
• Drinking coffee, tea, red wine, and other beverages that can quickly stain your teeth.
• Smoking cigarettes or using other tobacco products, as the chemicals in these products can damage your enamel and cause staining.
• Overusing whitening products, as excessive exposure to the whitening agent can cause irritation to the gums.
