I’ve gained 20 pounds, my feet are swollen, and my skin is breaking out. I’d at least like to have a nice smile! Is it OK to use teeth whiteners while pregnant?
- Sharisse

No good studies have been done on teeth whiteners that definitively say whether they're safe to use if you're expecting.

Some makers of whitening products recommend not using them during pregnancy, and some dentists also encourage waiting until after pregnancy to get your teeth whitened or use over the counter teeth whiteners. The concern is primarily about the chemicals used in teeth-whitening products, some of which could be swallowed, and their potential effect on a fetus.

Talk to your doctor and dentist before using any whitening products.

Reviewed by: Elana Pearl Ben-Joseph, MD
Date reviewed: October 2012