Over the past nine months Molly-Mae, the mega influencer, CEO of Pretty Little Thing and beauty brand founder has kept her 6.8 million Instagram followers in the loop with her pregnancy journey and pregnancy beauty hacks - including the belly butter she's come to rely on - and she's been honest about the natural highs and lows of each trimester too.
Taking to YouTube, in her latest vlog, Molly-Mae speaks candidly about feeling the most insecure she's ever felt. Over the course of the video, the social media star describes how she has been struggling to look at her face because of the swelling she has experience. Molly-Mae also gets real about her teeth woes.
In the video Molly says, 'I have never ever felt more insecure than I do right now in my teeth, but I'm going to the dentist on Monday - not that they can do anything to sort it because they’ve already told me that whilst I’m pregnant they won’t do anything to my teeth.
'They even suggested that while I’m breastfeeding, they also won’t do anything to my teeth, but all of my edge bonding is just completely coming away. And I can’t whiten my teeth because you’re not allowed to whiten your teeth whilst you’re pregnant. It's getting to the point where I'm watching my blog footage back, I am so beyond not confident in my teeth. It’s making me not want to post footage, which is really unlike me,' she continues.
We feel Molly's frustration. Many people would claim that their teeth are central to helping them look and feel their best, but cosmetic dentist and founder of Chelsea Dental Clinic, Dr Rhona Eskander confirms 'you can't whiten your teeth when pregnant.'
Main image: Instagram @mollymae
Can You Whiten Your Teeth While Pregnant?
Silviu Cartas, dentist at Bupa Dental Care, says, 'Whilst there’s limited research in this area, it’s recommended that treatments that are not immediately necessary, such as teeth whitening, should be postponed until after you’ve given birth. This is because drug absorption and bioavailability are impacted during pregnancy, so there are increased safety concerns.'
Why Can't You Whiten Teeth While Pregnant?
'It is important for pregnant and breast-feeding women to be aware that teeth whitening procedures, whether at home or in-office should be avoided during pregnancy,' confirms Dr Simon Chard, 'this is because the active ingredients in whitening products such as hydrogen peroxide or carbide peroxide, have not been extensively studied for heir effects on pregnant women and their developing baby.' 'As such,' Dr Chard continues, 'delaying this cosmetically focused treatment until after birth or the breast feeding stage is completed is recommended by dentists and health professionals.'
What Can Pregnant Women Do To Whiten Teeth While Pregnant?
Dr Rhona recommends using PÄRLA toothpaste tabs, £6.95. Having co-founded the brand with two other brilliant cosmetic dentists, Dr Adarsh Thanki and Dr Simon Chard, she says, 'this is the first toothpaste tablet in the world to contain hydroxyapatite, vitamin E and vitamin B12. Hydroxyapatite forms the building blocks of enamel and when placed in toothpaste can create high gloss whitening as well as help fight sensitivity.'
Dr Chard agrees noting, 'using a toothpaste specifically designed for stain removal and including brightening ingredients like hydroxyapatite is a great way to whiten teeth in a pregnancy-safe manner, alongside flossing regularly to remove surface stains and visiting the dental hygienist - ideally yours will use an airflow machine for maximum stain removal.'
'It's important to note that everyone's situation is different,' says Dr Chard, 'you should consult with your dentist before making any decisions, but flossing regularly, brushing well visiting your hygienist more frequently will have the added benefit of reducing the chances of gingivitis or gum disease, which are more prevalent during pregnancy.'
Dr Zainab Al-Mukhtar, cosmetic dental surgeon and facial aesthetic expert, explains that there are a host of alternative ways to keep your teeth in check while pregnant. 'Visit a hygienist for a scale and polish treatment with additional Air Flow which is a great way to remove stain build up. You should also avoid abrasive toothpastes but you can use toothpastes that are marketed with for whitening benefits - as this often means they will reduce stain build up.
'Cut out tea and coffee to reduce staining,' she advises, something which is advised to reduce in pregnancy anyway to limit caffeine intake. And don't be tempted to opt for charcoal toothpaste. 'This, in the long run, makes teeth more yellow as it is very abrasive and wears away enamel which eventually reveals the yellower undertone of teeth.'