Dental treatment while breastfeeding: anaesthetic, X-rays, painkillers, antibiotics and whitening
Breastfeeding isn't a barrier to dental treatment. Fillings, root canal treatment, scale and polish and most extractions can be done during this time. Very little of the local anaesthetic used in dentistry passes into breast milk, and there's usually no need to pause breastfeeding. Dental X-rays have no effect on milk. For medicines, simply tell your dentist you're breastfeeding; non-urgent cosmetic treatments such as whitening are usually left until after breastfeeding.
Does local anaesthetic pass into breast milk?
Local anaesthetics in dentistry are given in small doses to one area of the mouth. Very little reaches the blood and milk, and very little of that is absorbed by the baby's gut. So pumping and discarding milk or a long break from breastfeeding is usually unnecessary.
If it makes you feel more comfortable, you can feed your baby just before the appointment, so some time has passed before the next feed.
Can I have dental X-rays?
Yes. X-rays don't stay in the body and have no effect on milk. Dental X-ray doses are low, and they can be taken during breastfeeding when needed. See dental X-rays and CT scans.
Painkillers and antibiotics
| Medicine | General position during breastfeeding |
|---|---|
| Paracetamol | Generally considered compatible with breastfeeding |
| Ibuprofen | Generally considered compatible for short-term use |
| Penicillin-type antibiotics such as amoxicillin | Usable in most cases; watch the baby for diarrhoea or nappy rash |
| Some antibiotics and painkillers | Need care with long-term use; your doctor may choose another option |
This table is general information. Always take medicines at the dose and for the time your doctor advises, and mention at each visit that you're breastfeeding and how old your baby is. When antibiotics are needed is covered in do antibiotics and painkillers cure toothache?.
What can wait?
- Teeth whitening: safety data during breastfeeding are limited, so it's usually advised to wait until you've finished. See teeth whitening.
- Extensive cosmetic treatment: planned work such as smile design can wait until sleepless nights and the intense care routine ease.
- Major surgery: planned surgery such as several implants is possible but is timed with medicines and recovery in mind.
Pain, abscesses or broken teeth shouldn't wait, though: untreated infection is a bigger risk for the mother. See dental abscess.
Gums and decay after pregnancy
Gum bleeding that increased during pregnancy often settles after the birth, but night feeds, frequent snacking and tiredness can make oral care slip. A dental check-up and scale and polish in the first months after the birth is a good start. We cover pregnancy separately in dental treatment in pregnancy.
Planning your appointment in Beylikdüzü
If you mention that you're breastfeeding when booking, we'll plan to keep your waiting time short. If you're bringing your baby, having someone with you makes it easier to relax during treatment.
Dent32 Ağız ve Diş Sağlığı Polikliniği (Dent32 Dental Polyclinic) is at Barış Mah., Ginza Lavinya, E-5 Yanyolu No:30 D:179, 34520 Beylikdüzü, Istanbul and is open seven days a week. To book, call or WhatsApp +90 555 011 33 68, or use our contact page. At the examination we share the findings, the options and the approximate cost in writing; you are under no obligation to start treatment afterwards.
For clinic details, our dentists and the full list of treatments, visit Dent32, dental clinic in Beylikdüzü.
Frequently asked questions
When can I breastfeed after a dental injection?
So little local anaesthetic passes into milk that you can usually feed straight away. Feeding your baby before the appointment is another option if it makes you more comfortable.
Can I have a tooth extracted while breastfeeding?
Yes. Extraction is done under local anaesthetic, and any painkiller or antibiotic afterwards is chosen knowing you're breastfeeding.
Can I whiten my teeth while breastfeeding?
Safety data are limited, so it's usually advised to wait until you've finished breastfeeding. Meanwhile a scale and polish can reduce surface stains.
