I have a plan to work on my teeth, but it required some saving up before I could start. Here was my initial plan:
1. Teeth whitening
2. Change my silver fillings for the mercury-free kind
3. Possibly porcelain veneers on my front four teeth
I had just gotten the teeth whitening done a few weeks ago when I realized something was off with my cycle. I ran a test and learned I am pregnant. I looked it up and everything says NOT to whiten when you are pregnant. Now I am panicked that I did something which hurt my baby. Is there anything I can do?
Melanie T.
Dear Melanie,
First things first– Congratulations on becoming a mother!! This is such an exciting time in your life. I can already tell you are going to be a good mother based on your panic. That seems to be a common feeling in the best of mothers.
While it is true that it is recommended not to do any teeth whitening while pregnant, that is because there have not been any significant studies on the effects of teeth whitening on the unborn. As you can imagine, there is not a huge number of new mothers eager to allow the medical community to use their unborn children as test subjects. That being said, though there is no data either way, it is highly unlikely your procedure did any damage. I would take a deep breath and just move on from here.
I recommend you schedule your dental checkup to happen during your second trimester. This is the time the mother is most comfortable and the early danger time of pregnancy of the first trimester has passed.
As for your other plans. I would wait on switching out your amalgam fillings. While it is a good idea, the silver is made mostly of mercury—a known toxin. While there is a sanitary amalgam removal procedure that is designed to eliminate the danger of mercury inhalation, I would not want to risk even a little bit getting to your child. Once your child is born and weaned (if you’re breastfeeding), then you can move forward with the rest of your plans. Make sure you use a mercury-free dentist.
This blog is brought to you by Duluth, GA Dentist Dr. David Marion.
Congratulations on your progress and recovery. That shows you have a lot of courage and fortitude. What you’re doing isn’t easy. One thing we can make easier for you is helping you get that gorgeous smile you deserve.