Breastfeeding & Dental Work
If you’re a new mom or you’re about to be, you’re likely already used to putting your needs second to the needs of this beautiful new little person in your life. But your oral hygiene is still important for keeping you and your baby in tip top shape. If something comes up and you need dental work, it shouldn’t prevent you from continuing to breastfeed regularly, or from seeking the dental treatment you need.
Dr. Gauthier is an experienced dentist in Pineville and can explain how prioritizing your own health needs is safe and important during this stage of a woman’s life.
Dental Procedures Safe for Breastfeeding
You shouldn’t be surprised to hear that regular brushing and flossing is safe for breastfeeding mothers. In fact, it’s probably never felt more luxurious! Especially as you’re likely eating everything in sight (and perhaps indulging in sweet treats, too), it’s a good idea to keep those pearly whites as clean and healthy as possible.
We know how difficult it is to take care of yourself with a new baby, but you deserve to be healthy and a healthy mom is a better mom. Proactive measures are protective and important as your body goes through major hormonal changes. Not to mention, what mom has time for a lengthy dental procedure? You should do all you can to be proactive about your dental health right now to prevent complications later.
If you are a breastfeeding mother who needs some dental work, you’ll be happy to know most procedures won’t affect your milk or your baby. You will only need to pause breastfeeding for the short duration of your dental visits, and all of the following dental treatments are still safe while breastfeeding:
- X-rays
- Wisdom teeth extraction
- Root canals
- Fillings
- Teeth whitening
- Routine cleanings
Dental Drugs Safe for Breastfeeding
Your body does an excellent job of processing medicine and other substances before it gets to the baby (via your milk), and the old practice of pump-and-dump is rarely recommended anymore. Most effects of drugs used in dentistry should wear off as soon as your procedure is over anyway, and you can be back to nursing your bub as soon as you’re home. The following drugs common in dental work are all safe for breastfeeding mothers:
- Novocain
- Valium
- Local anesthetic
- Nitrous oxide (laughing gas)
- General anesthesia
- Antibiotics
More Information
Dr. Thomas Hale’s book “Medication and Mother’s Milk” is a great resource for more information on drug safety while breastfeeding. Of course you should always share your full health history with your dentist and get your own pediatrician’s approval before receiving any dental treatment.
Most dental work is totally compatible with a breastfeeding lifestyle. In fact, relaxing in the dentist chair may be the most quality alone time you get all week!
As a mother, taking care of your own dental needs is truly important for the overall health of you and your baby. Call us at (318) 406-0141 today to make an appointment for any regular cleanings or special dental treatment you need.
Sources
http://kellymom.com/bf/can-i-breastfeed/illness-surgery/dentalwork/
