Some dental procedures are unwise when you're expecting a baby. This makes sense, doesn't it? Just think of the chemical components that make up the many different types of dental restoration materials, not to mention any pain relief or medication you might need. There's also the potential strain of sitting in the dentist's chair for extended periods of time while you're expecting. But what about after you've given birth? Yes, your baby has been born, but you're still breastfeeding. Does the fact that you're breastfeeding mean you need to avoid certain dental procedures?

A Selective Membrane

During pregnancy, one of the ways in which your body regulates the health of your unborn baby is via your placental barrier. This is a type of selective membrane, as it still permits nutrients and other essential compounds to be given to your baby while withholding potentially harmful substances. This membrane no longer serves a purpose once your baby has been born, since its function is only temporary. Does this mean that you can go ahead and get any dental procedure done as soon as you've given birth? Almost.

After Giving Birth

The various chemicals introduced to your system as part of a dental procedure are no longer problematic once you have given birth. The same is true with an anesthetic (whether it's local or general). As soon as the effects of the anesthetic have worn off, you can breastfeed your baby. Considering the fact that any anesthetic used in dentistry is only going to be mild when compared to an invasive surgical procedure, it's unlikely that you will need to pump breast milk to feed your baby while you're under the effect of the anesthetic, but this depends on your feeding schedule. There's only one dental procedure that can be unwise when you're breastfeeding.

What You Need to Wait For

Teeth whitening should be delayed until your baby has been weaned off breast milk. It's an elective, cosmetic procedure, and while there's no definitive link between teeth whitening and adverse reactions in breastfeeding infants, it hasn't been conclusively proven to be impossible either. A dentist will suggest delaying this treatment due to the possibility that traces of hydrogen peroxide (the active ingredient in the process) could conceivably be passed to your baby via your breast milk. The risk is exceptionally low, but the risk can be non-existent if it's avoided altogether. 

You will need to wait a little longer to have your teeth whitened, but for everything else, it's perfectly safe to go back to the dentist once you've given birth. Be sure to tell your dentist that you've recently had a baby, so they have all the information they need.

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