TOXYLACT

The first professional lActological database in the word

Dental Medications and Lactation


Most dental procedures and medications are completely compatible with breastfeeding. Usually, only minimal amounts of the medications used pass into breast milk and do not pose a risk to the baby.

Main drug groups and their safety

Local anesthetics:

Lidocaine: Considered the safest choice. It is poorly absorbed by the baby through breast milk and does not require interruption of breastfeeding.
Articaine: Although with fewer studies in the past, new data show that its levels in breast milk are extremely low and breastfeeding can continue immediately after the procedure.
Adrenaline (Epinephrine): Often added to anesthesia. Due to its short half-life, it is unlikely to pass into breast milk in significant amounts.

Painkillers (Analgesics):

Paracetamol and Ibuprofen: Considered completely safe at standard doses.
Aspirin: Should be avoided in doses above 100 mg due to the risk of Reye's syndrome in the baby.
Codeine and Oxycodone: Should be used with caution; codeine may cause drowsiness or respiratory depression in the baby in some mothers (ultra-rapid metabolites).

Antibiotics:

Penicillins and Amoxicillin: Considered safe. The baby may have mild upset stomach or colic.
Cephalosporins and Clindamycin: Generally compatible with breastfeeding.
Metronidazole: May change the taste of breast milk (bitter taste), but is considered safe for short-term use.
Tetracyclines (e.g., Doxycycline): Most manufacturers recommend avoiding due to risk of staining the baby's teeth, although short-term use rarely causes problems.

Other procedures

X-rays: Safe and do not affect breast milk. A lead apron is recommended for additional protection.
Sedation (Nitric oxide): Nitric oxide is almost insoluble in the blood and is eliminated quickly (within 3-5 minutes), making it compatible with breastfeeding.
Mercury (amalgam) fillings: Their placement or replacement is not a reason to stop breastfeeding, as mercury levels in breast milk after the procedure remain negligible.

Practical tips for mothers

Inform the dentist: Always tell the dentist that you are breastfeeding before the treatment begins.
Timing of the procedure: Schedule the visit immediately after breastfeeding to allow maximum time for the medications to be metabolized before the next feeding.
Expressing breast milk in advance: If you are worried or require general anesthesia, express breast milk in advance to have a ready supply.
No need to "pump and dump": For most standard procedures with local anesthesia, this is not necessary and you can breastfeed as soon as you feel alert enough to hold your baby

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