Do you think that since babies don’t have visible teeth during the time of birth, you don’t have to worry about their dental health during pregnancy? If so, you are mistaken. Even though babies don’t have visible teeth at birth, their teeth already exist underneath their gums.
Babies start developing teeth during the sixth week of pregnancy. The teeth then mineralize and form an inner bonelike layer, known as dentin, during the 3rd or 4th month of pregnancy. That is also when the hard enamel layer starts forming around the teeth to protect and cover them.
If you’re wondering how to ensure your baby has super strong teeth, you must make sure to consume a healthy diet during pregnancy. Just like proper physical development of the baby is dependent on the mother’s food intake during pregnancy, its dental health is also dependent on that, so the mother must eat as healthy as possible.
Eating Right Is The Key
Teeth development requires certain nutrients to grow properly and if the mother doesn’t consume them through her diet, there is no other way for the child to get them from. Similarly, the mother must also ensure avoiding substances that may harm the baby’s teeth in the uterus- such as certain antibiotics. Nutrients, such as Calcium, Protein, Vitamin D, and Phosphorous, are imperative for prenatal tooth development:
Calcium is one such mineral which forms the main component of fetal tooth development.Infact, the entire physical development of the fetus is dependent on this nutrient. If there isn’t enough calcium being provided by your external diet for the baby’s bones, it will withdraw calcium from your bones (the mother’s bones) to fulfill the requirement. Foods that provide the best source of calcium are milk, yoghurt, cheese, kale and broccoli.
Protein is another substance that is required in abundance. It is essential that the mother consumes a diet rich in protein .Dairy products, eggs, and lean meat are all rich in protein. A combination of vegetables and meat can also work to provide the essentials amino acids.
Similarly, vitamin D is just as essential since it helps retain calcium and phosphorous. Foods like salmon, and tuna contain vitamin D. Direct exposure to sunlight can also help with Vitamin D intake, however, people often take external supplements to fulfill Vitamin D needs.