Can You Use Teeth Whitening Strips While Pregnant?
Posted September 19, 2025 in Teeth Whitening
Pregnancy often comes with a long list of do’s and don’ts, along with another long list of the ways your body will change during this time. If you’re expecting, you may know that pregnancy can sometimes lead to changes in oral health, from gum disease to an increased risk for cavities. However, what if you want to boost your confidence by whitening your teeth? Is it safe? In this blog, we’ll go over what you need to know about keeping your teeth sparkling white during pregnancy while still protecting your body and your baby.
6 Min Read
Table of Contents
- Are Teeth Whitening Strips Safe to Use When I’m Pregnant?
- Can I Get My Teeth Professionally Whitened While Pregnant?
- Top 3 Reasons to Wait to Get Your Teeth Whitened Until After Your Baby Is Born
- Safe Ways to Keep Your Teeth White During Pregnancy
- Interested in Teeth Whitening in Riverside?
Are Teeth Whitening Strips Safe to Use When I’m Pregnant?
Most over-the-counter teeth whitening strips use hydrogen peroxide as their active ingredient. Peroxide and other chemicals could potentially be absorbed into the body through the oral tissues, which is still generally safe for the average user. However, when it comes to using whitening strips during pregnancy, there’s not enough research to definitively say that yes, whitening strips are safe, or no, they’re not. For this reason, you may want to focus on your oral hygiene habits and wait to apply those whitening strips until after delivery.
Another reason to wait to whiten is that pregnancy can increase gum sensitivity, which may make at-home whitening treatments more uncomfortable or cause tooth sensitivity and gum irritation.
Can I Get My Teeth Professionally Whitened While Pregnant?
Professional whitening treatments at your dental office also use peroxide-based solutions; however, the ingredients are often in much higher concentrations than those found in over-the-counter strips. Again, due to the lack of research confirming the safety of teeth whitening products for expectant mothers, most dentists refrain from performing professional whitening treatments during pregnancy.
Even if the treatment were definitively deemed safe, sitting in a dental chair for extended periods can be uncomfortable during pregnancy. For these reasons, professional whitening is typically postponed until after the baby is born and, in some cases, after breastfeeding is complete.
Top 3 Reasons to Wait to Get Your Teeth Whitened Until After Your Baby Is Born
Besides the lack of research-backed evidence to guarantee that whitening your teeth is harmless during pregnancy, there are other reasons to wait to whiten your teeth until after delivery, including:
1. Increased Tooth Sensitivity
Hormonal changes can make your gums and teeth more prone to irritation in general. The chemicals in whitening products could add to that discomfort.
2. Temporary Results
Pregnancy-related changes like morning sickness and increased dryness or acidity in your mouth can affect the enamel of your teeth, potentially shortening the longevity of your whitening results.
3. Peace of Mind
Waiting until after delivery to whiten your teeth ensures you can undergo the treatment (either at home or in-office) without worry, allowing you to enjoy your brighter smile without stress.
Safe Ways to Keep Your Teeth White During Pregnancy
While you may need to postpone whitening strips and in-office treatments, there are still safe and effective options for maintaining a healthy, bright smile while pregnant, including:
- Brushing twice daily to prevent plaque buildup
- Flossing once a day to prevent gingivitis
- Rinsing after exposing your teeth to acid (whether from morning sickness or acidic foods) to protect your enamel
- Eating crunchy fruits and vegetables to naturally help scrub away stains
- Limiting stain-causing drinks like coffee, tea, and soda
Most importantly, schedule regular dental cleanings. Professional cleanings are safe during pregnancy and can significantly improve the health and appearance of your teeth.
Interested in Teeth Whitening in Riverside?
Pregnancy gives you a lot to smile about, so it’s natural to want whiter teeth. However, safety is always the top priority. Since whitening treatments aren’t well-studied in expectant mothers, waiting until after your baby is born to use teeth whitening strips is your safest bet. In the meantime, focusing on good dental care with Dr. Chad Tomazin, as well as safe methods for reducing surface stains, will help keep your teeth looking their best. Once your pregnancy is behind you, you can confidently explore whitening options in the Inland Empire with Dr. Tomazin by calling (951) 686-3666 or completing the online contact form.