Getting Dental Work and Breastfeeding: Is It a Good Idea?

After your baby arrives, if you decide to breastfeed them, there are still items you'll likely need to limit, such as caffeine and certain types of seafood, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). But what about dental work and breastfeeding? If your dentist wants to fill a cavity or perform another treatment, would you have to stop breastfeeding your baby? Let's find out!

Just as you kept up with your dental visits and exams during your pregnancy, it's important to keep on seeing your dentist when you're breastfeeding. Taking care of your body after birth is critical. When your entire body is healthy, you'll be able to provide the best care to your baby.

If you have a dental appointment coming up, be sure to let your dental professional know that you're breastfeeding at the start of the visit. That way, if you need dental work that requires medication, or if you need treatment that would require you to take antibiotics afterward, your dentist can tailor the medications to ensure that they're safe for your baby.

During dental work, your dentist might need to give you a dental local anesthetic to numb the area being treated. In dentistry, local anesthesia is common for numbing a specific part of the body to prevent pain during procedures. Depending on the anesthetic used, the effects of local anesthesia can take several hours to wear off, making it a popular choice for outpatient treatments. Many controlled studies examine the effects of local anesthesia on breastfeeding mothers, but the consensus is that moms can resume breastfeeding right after receiving local anesthesia.

Although it's natural to want to put your baby first, self-care is critical when you're a new mom. If you're not feeling your best, giving your little one the care they need can be challenging. If your dentist recommends a dental procedure to fix a cavity, restore a tooth or treat gingivitis, your best option is to have the treatment performed as soon as possible. Neglecting your oral care can worsen dental concerns such as cavities or gum disease.

Your dentist is ready to help you get the dental care and treatment you need. Ask them for advice if you have any questions about dental work and breastfeeding, including what your treatment options are.

Oral Care Center articles are reviewed by an oral health medical professional. This information is for educational purposes only. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist, physician or other qualified healthcare provider.