Are There Natural Remedies for Whitening Teeth During Pregnancy?
Many pregnant women are concerned about their appearance and want to look splendid at this stage of their lives. Thus, in the quest for a beautiful smile, interest in natural remedies for whitening teeth during pregnancy arises.
The appearance of the teeth when speaking and laughing plays an important role in appearance. In addition, images on the internet and in magazines promote the idea that white smiles are more attractive and healthy, although in reality, this isn’t the case.
During pregnancy, professional whitening treatments or over-the-counter products to remove stains at home aren’t recommended. The use of these substances during pregnancy isn’t safe, and whether they can have negative effects on the fetus and the mother is unknown.
For this reason, many women who want a bright white smile at this stage turn to natural remedies for teeth whitening during pregnancy. But just because they’re ingredients of natural origin and found in any kitchen, this doesn’t mean that they’re safe. Keep reading to find out more.
Why do teeth become stained?
Teeth have their own coloring which, in most cases, isn’t pure white. Tooth enamel is a transparent tissue that covers the outside of the teeth and gives a glimpse of the dentin underneath. It’s the color of the latter that gives the teeth their own tonality and varies between yellowish, grayish, or brownish whites.
In any case, with the passing of time and the frequent consumption of certain foods or habits, teeth can become stained. In other less frequent cases, stains on the teeth occur due to internal problems in the dental structure.
Thus, the regular consumption of colored foods or beverages, such as tea, coffee, mate, soft drinks, wine, blueberries, and tomato sauces can facilitate the appearance of stains on the teeth. Poor dental hygiene and habits such as smoking also favor their formation.
Most popular natural remedies for teeth whitening during pregnancy
As we already mentioned, the search for better looking teeth during pregnancy can be a concern for expectant mothers. Conventional whitening treatments aren’t an option at this stage, and natural products seem to be a possible solution.
In magazines, social networks, and internet sites there are multiple recipes for natural remedies to whiten teeth during pregnancy. But at this stage, the health of the mother and the formation and development of the baby are fundamental, so being especially careful with certain substances that enter the body is vital.
The recipes that expectant mothers can find often seem harmless, although there’s no hard evidence or scientific studies to support them. In addition, they usually indicate certain times of use that don’t take into account the thickness of each patient’s own enamel, which in itself is already a risk.
The following are the most popular natural remedies for whitening teeth during pregnancy.
Fruits
There are many homemade recipes that use fruits or their essential oils to whiten teeth. The use of acidic ones, such as lemons, oranges, vinegar, or apple cider may be suggested. There are also other formulas that suggest the use of pineapple, mango, or strawberries.
If the suggestion is to eat fruits as usual, there’s no problem. However, there are recipes that suggest blending them or using their vinegars or juices in order to place them on the teeth and let them act on them for a while.
Using this type of recipes is dangerous for the teeth. The action of the acids on the teeth wears down the enamel. Superficial stains may be eliminated, but also part of the dental tissue that protects the elements from sensitivity and cavities.
Fruit recipes don’t produce direct damage to the fetus that’s forming, but an alteration in the mother’s teeth, which can evolve to the formation of cavities, pain, and sensitivity. These conditions can complicate the development of pregnancy.
Exfoliants, one of the most popular natural remedies for whitening teeth during pregnancy
There are recipes that suggest placing abrasive substances on the tooth surfaces. Pastes made with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide or the use of activated charcoal are very popular.
Brushing teeth with a very abrasive substance actually wears down tooth surfaces, and removing enamel from the teeth may expose the dentin underneath. Not only does this cause sensitivity and pain, but it will also give the teeth a yellowish discoloration. It’s the natural color of this tissue and there’s no more enamel covering it.
Oils and spices
There are some recipes that suggest that rinsing your mouth with coconut oil or using turmeric removes stains from teeth. In reality, there’s no evidence to support the effectiveness and safety of these natural remedies for whitening teeth during pregnancy.
Recommendations for having a beautiful smile during pregnancy
If you want to have beautiful teeth during pregnancy, then the best and most natural way to go about it is to have healthy habits. Here are some simple tips that will allow the mother-to-be to take care of her oral health and wear a bright smile:
- Brush your teeth: Brush thoroughly 3 times a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Removing bacterial plaque not only reduces the risk of caries and gingivitis but also prevents the formation of new stains on the teeth.
- Flossing: Floss between teeth at least once a day.
- Avoid foods that stain teeth: Don’t frequently eat foods and drinks that stain tooth surfaces. Decrease the consumption of tea and coffee. And remember, wine and tobacco are forbidden during pregnancy.
- Visiting the dentist: During pregnancy, you should visit the dentist every 3 months. This professional not only checks that everything’s going well or detects any problems that need to be solved but also performs professional cleanings that remove tartar and surface stains. They also apply fluoride to protect the teeth.
In short, mouth care is the safest and most effective natural remedy for whitening teeth during pregnancy, as it doesn’t involve the use of substances that can damage the teeth or introduce unfamiliar materials to the body. Having a healthy oral cavity not only prevents frequent problems during pregnancy, but also allows the mother-to-be to have a beautiful smile.
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
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