Dentist in Novi, MI Discusses Dental Procedures While Breastfeeding
Mothers are often concerned about having dental work done while they are breastfeeding. We’ve put together resources for mothers who are breastfeeding can follow to maintain both a healthy smile and proper overall nurishment for their baby.
Common Dental Procedures
When numbing agents such as lidocaine are used, mothers don’t need to take any special precautions. These will not affect breast milk. Even though Bupivacaine lasts longer than lidocaine, there is still zero effect on the milk.
All dental materials are also safe for the breastfeeding mother during procedures. If the nursing mother has a tooth removed, there is no reason to interrupt breastfeeding.
Sedation and Nitrous Oxide
When a mother is given Valium for dental procedures, she can safely resume nursing once she's awake and no longer sedated. In addition, most oral sedation medications are deemed safe to use while breastfeeding.
Nitrous oxide sedation is also considered compatible with breastfeeding. This sedation is almost insoluble in the nursing mother’s bloodstream. It goes from your brain to your lungs and is exhaled out into the air.
Diagnostic Tests
Ultrasounds and X-rays do not affect the mother’s milk. You can continue breastfeeding as normal.
Other Dental Products
Many people also wonder if dental products affect breastfeeding babies in any way. Antiseptic mouthwashes have virtually zero absorption, so there's no risk associated with its usage. If you're looking to whiten your teeth, the peroxide compound is absorbed into your tissues and then destroyed. None of that ever reaches to your milk.
While it’s true that breastfeeding and dental work are almost always compatible, it's also important that our dentist in Novi knows you're nursing. Keep in mind that you also have the right to refuse any treatment or dental procedure you wish if you feel uncomfortable. If it isn’t an emergency, you could postpone the treatment for a time when you can prepare some extra milk for your baby.
Keep in mind that postponing treatment does increase the risk of further work in the future. Discuss your concerns with our Novi MI dentist so we can work out the best treatment plan possible for your needs.
