Is it safe to get dental work done while breastfeeding?

Is It Safe to Get Dental Work Done While Breastfeeding?
For new mothers, the question of whether to undergo dental work while breastfeeding can be a source of anxiety. However, the consensus among dental and healthcare professionals is reassuring: dental work is generally safe for breastfeeding mothers.
Understanding the Safety of Dental Procedures
Most dental treatments, including routine cleanings, fillings, and even more complex procedures like crowns and veneers, can be performed without significant risk to breastfeeding. The key factor is communication with your dentist. It’s essential to inform them that you are breastfeeding so they can choose appropriate anesthetics and medications that are safe for both you and your baby .
Local anesthetics, commonly used during dental procedures, are typically considered safe. While there is a slight possibility that these medications could enter breast milk, studies indicate that they do not pose a risk to nursing infants. This means that mothers can receive necessary dental care without the need to interrupt breastfeeding.
Pain Management and Dental Health
For mothers experiencing dental pain or issues such as gum disease, it is crucial to seek treatment. Ignoring dental health can lead to more severe problems, which may ultimately affect overall well-being. Most dental treatments are designed to alleviate pain and prevent further complications, making it important for mothers to prioritize their dental health.
Special Considerations
While most procedures are safe, some treatments may require additional considerations. For instance, longer procedures like veneers or crowns might be uncomfortable due to the time spent in the dental chair. In such cases, mothers should discuss their comfort levels with their dentist to ensure a positive experience.
Moreover, while dental amalgam is generally avoided in pregnant and breastfeeding women unless absolutely necessary, alternative materials are often available. This is another point where clear communication with your dental provider can help ensure the safest options are chosen.
Conclusion
In summary, breastfeeding mothers can safely undergo dental work without significant concern for their infants. The most important steps are to communicate openly with healthcare providers and to address any dental issues promptly. By doing so, mothers can maintain their oral health while continuing to provide for their babies without interruption.

Does local anesthesia affect baby?

Regular and emergency dental care, including the use of local anesthetics and radiographs, is safe at any stage during pregnancy.

When can I go to the dentist after giving birth?

After You’ve Had Your Baby
If you had any gum problems during your pregnancy, see your dentist soon after delivery to have a full oral health check. SOURCES: American Dental Association. American Academy of Periodontology.

Can you have dental sedation and breastfeed?

Sedation/general anaesthetic
You can breastfeed after a general anaesthetic or sedation as soon as you are awake and alert.

Is it okay to get dental work done while breastfeeding?

Most dental treatments and drugs are safe to use during nursing. However, a few considerations must be considered: Anaesthesia: The type of anesthesia you get might have an impact on your ability to breastfeed. Local anesthesia is typically safe since it does not reach your bloodstream in large quantities.

How long to wait to breastfeed after dental anesthesia?

You can breastfeed after a general anaesthetic or sedation as soon as you are awake and alert. However, you may feel drowsy, and your judgement may be impaired for up to 24 hours afterwards, so you will need to have another adult with you who can look after you and help you care for your child.

Can breastfeeding moms go under anesthesia?

Breastfeeding and human milk feeding generally does not need to be interrupted for anesthesia, though we may advise you to time your feeding or pumping. Local (Bupivacaine, lidocaine, mepivacaine): These are put into the body at the site of the procedure.

How long do I have to wait to breastfeed after anesthesia?

Based on extensive research, the current recommendation is that a mother can continue to feed her infant breast milk immediately following her surgical procedure or when she feels well enough to nurse or express her milk.

Can you have anesthesia for dental filling while breastfeeding?

The good news is, dental materials are safe for breastfeeding mothers and won’t impact breast milk. You can indeed have laser dentistry, and use sedation methods during your treatment, without having to pump and dump the breast milk. Local anesthetics such as lidocaine, for example, doesn’t affect your breast milk.

Is local anesthesia safe when breastfeeding?

It is entirely safe to breast feed after local anaesthetic. The amount of lidocaine that will be present in your breast milk is too small to be harmful to the baby. If you wish to breast feed from that breast you may decide to express and throw away the milk from that breast for up to 12 hours after the procedure.

Can cavities be passed through breast milk?

This study emphasizes the importance of tooth brushing and good dental hygiene. In summary: Although breastfed children can get cavities, breastmilk alone does not appear to be the cause. Foods other than breastmilk tend to be the main problem.