Can I have a tooth extraction while breastfeeding — is anesthesia harmful?
⚡ Short answer: The local anesthesia used for tooth extraction (lidocaine, articaine) passes into breast milk in very small amounts, and is not expected to have a clinically meaningful effect on the baby.
Anonymous
bir anne · Mom
My tooth hurts and I need to have it extracted; can local anesthesia harm my nursing baby?
Maiyko AI ADVISOR
The real reply from the in-app AI advisor
The local anesthesia used for tooth extraction (lidocaine, articaine) passes into breast milk in very small amounts, and is not expected to have a clinically meaningful effect on the baby. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and many national health authorities state that local anesthesia is safe during breastfeeding.
For pain relief after the anesthesia wears off, acetaminophen or ibuprofen are usually preferred as they're compatible with breastfeeding. Be sure to tell your dentist that you're nursing; he'll choose the medications accordingly. You can continue nursing your baby after the procedure — the anesthesia is not expected to harm the baby.
For definitive information on this topic, I recommend consulting your dentist and pharmacist.
Note: This information is not medical advice; please consult your doctor about medications and doses.
⚕️ Health note: This answer is for general information only; it is not medical advice. Every baby is different — for decisions about your baby's health, consult your pediatrician.
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