Teeth whitening is not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. This is not because it has been proven harmful, but because there is not enough scientific data to show it is safe during this time. As whitening is a cosmetic procedure that can wait, it is left until after the birth and breastfeeding. Meanwhile, scaling, regular check-ups and good oral care can continue.
Can you have teeth whitening during pregnancy?
Teeth whitening is not recommended during pregnancy. Health authorities and dental organisations advise leaving cosmetic procedures that can wait, such as whitening, until after pregnancy.
This advice is given not because whitening has been proven harmful in pregnancy, but because there is not enough research showing it is safe during this time. Since such studies are not carried out on pregnant women for ethical reasons, caution is preferred while there is uncertainty.
- Whitening is a cosmetic choice, not a medical necessity.
- Postponing it carries no health risk.
- Protecting your oral health during this time, however, is important and should continue.
On this page you will find why whitening is postponed, what can safely be done in the meantime and how you can plan whitening after the birth.
Why is it not recommended?
The main reason whitening is not recommended in pregnancy is the lack of safety data. In addition, some conditions specific to this time make whitening less suitable.
- No safety data: There are not enough studies on the effects of swallowing small amounts of peroxide during pregnancy.
- Gum sensitivity: Hormonal changes in pregnancy make the gums swell and bleed more easily. This can increase the chance of irritation from the gel.
- Tooth sensitivity: In some people the teeth may be more sensitive during this time.
- Nausea and vomiting: Acid can temporarily make enamel more vulnerable; mouth props and trays can trigger nausea.
- Lying on your back for long periods: In late pregnancy, lying on your back for a long time can be uncomfortable.
For information on the general safety of whitening, see our is teeth whitening harmful page.
Can you have teeth whitening while breastfeeding?
Postponing whitening is generally also recommended while breastfeeding. There is not enough data showing it is safe during this period either.
There is no evidence that peroxide passes into breast milk in significant amounts; however, because of the lack of data, many dentists prefer to wait until breastfeeding has finished. If you will be breastfeeding for a long time, you can talk your situation through with your dentist and make a personal decision.
We have listed other situations in which whitening is not recommended on our who should not have teeth whitening page.
Can home whitening products be used?
It is also advisable to avoid home whitening products during pregnancy and breastfeeding. These products also contain peroxide and stay in the mouth for long periods as trays or strips.
- Whitening strips and gels should not be used during this time.
- Abrasive methods such as activated charcoal and baking soda can damage enamel in any case.
- "Whitening" toothpastes usually clean surface stains with abrasive agents; an ordinary fluoride toothpaste is enough during this time.
For a general assessment of home methods, see our teeth whitening at home page.
What can be done during this time?
Although whitening is postponed in pregnancy, many treatments for the health of your teeth and gums can safely be carried out and are recommended.
- Tartar removal: Scaling is considered safe in pregnancy and helps reduce gum inflammation. Many dentists find the second trimester more comfortable.
- Polishing: Surface tea and coffee stains can be reduced by polishing, so the teeth can look cleaner and brighter.
- Check-up: At least one dental check-up is recommended during pregnancy.
- Necessary treatment: Emergencies such as pain or infection are not postponed; the dentist decides the right timing.
We explain how tartar is removed on our tartar removal page.
Oral care tips during pregnancy
In pregnancy the gums are affected by hormonal changes and "pregnancy gingivitis" is common. Good oral care reduces this problem.
- Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and a soft brush.
- Use floss or interdental brushes every day.
- Do not brush immediately after vomiting; rinse first with water or a mouthwash recommended by your dentist, then brush about 30 minutes later.
- Limit frequent snacking and sugary drinks.
- See your dentist if you have bleeding gums, swelling or pain.
- When you come for a check-up, say that you are pregnant and how many weeks along you are.
Does pregnancy change the colour of your teeth?
Pregnancy does not change tooth colour directly. However, some conditions may arise during this time that can make the teeth look more yellow or dull.
- Gum inflammation and plaque build-up can make the teeth look duller and yellowish.
- Brushing being disrupted by nausea can increase surface staining.
- Frequent vomiting can cause enamel erosion and make the teeth look more translucent.
- Iron supplements can leave dark surface stains on the teeth in some people; these stains can usually be removed by polishing.
Surface changes like these are often greatly reduced by scaling and polishing. If there is a lasting colour problem, it can be assessed together with whitening after the birth.
Planning whitening after the birth
Once the birth and breastfeeding period are over, whitening can safely be planned. The steps taken at this stage also help achieve a better result.
- Check-up: Any decay and gum problems that may have developed during pregnancy are assessed.
- Necessary treatment: Fillings, gum treatment and tartar removal are completed.
- Letting the gums settle: Gums that swelled during pregnancy are given time to return to normal.
- Choice of method: In-office, take-home or combined whitening – whichever suits you is decided.
- Timing: As a new parent, you may prefer a plan that needs short and few appointments.
For a comparison of methods, see our teeth whitening methods page.
If you had whitening without knowing you were pregnant
If you had whitening without knowing you were pregnant, there is no need to worry. There is no evidence that whitening causes harm in pregnancy; the advice is simply a precaution.
In this case, do not continue treatment and postpone any remaining sessions until after the birth. If anything concerns you, you can ask both your dentist and the obstetrician monitoring your pregnancy.
Frequently asked questions
Can teeth whitening during pregnancy harm the baby?
There is no evidence that it causes harm; however, as there is also not enough data showing it is safe, it is not recommended during this time.
Can tartar be removed during pregnancy?
Yes, scaling is considered safe in pregnancy and helps reduce gum inflammation. Many dentists find the second trimester more comfortable.
Can I use whitening strips while breastfeeding?
As safety data is also insufficient for the breastfeeding period, postponing whitening strips and gels is recommended.
How long after giving birth can I have whitening?
It is usually planned after breastfeeding has finished. A check-up is carried out first and any necessary treatment is completed.
Can I use whitening toothpaste while pregnant?
An ordinary fluoride toothpaste is enough during this time. Ask your dentist about abrasive or peroxide-containing products.
Related pages
Who Should Not Have Teeth Whitening?Situations in which whitening is not recommended or should be postponed, and what needs to be done before treatment.
Scale and Polish in Ankara: Tartar Removal in ÇankayaRemove tartar and protect your gum health with ultrasonic scaling, polishing and air polishing.
Is Teeth Whitening Harmful?The effects of dentist-supervised whitening on enamel, gums and sensitivity, and the risks of overuse.
Teeth Whitening at Home: Do Over-the-Counter Products Work?Find out what strips, pens, toothpastes and LED kits really do, their risks, and how they differ from dentist-supervised take-home whitening.
At What Age Can Teeth Be Whitened?The reason for the 18-year age limit, why young people should wait and how whitening is planned in later life.Suitability is decided at an examination. Fill in the form or call us to book an appointment.
Last updated: 2026-11-03 · This page is for general information only and does not replace an examination or diagnosis.