During pregnancy, a woman’s health and well-being directly affect the child’s development. The baby’s body draws essential nutrients for growth and organ formation from the mother’s nutrient reserves.
Expectant mothers need to pay twice as much attention to their diet. They should consume foods rich in vitamins and, if there is a deficiency, supplement them through tablets.
Take supplements only after consulting a doctor and based on medical tests.
Pregnancy and the Baby’s Teeth
Studies have shown that childhood cavities are linked to a mother’s poor nutrition during pregnancy.
A calcium deficiency in the mother’s diet can later lead to dental problems for both the mother and child.
Milk teeth begin to form around the 5th–7th week of pregnancy, and permanent teeth start developing around the 16th week. At birth, a baby has the buds of 20 primary and 4 permanent teeth. Poor maternal nutrition, lack of vitamins, stress, or illness can affect fetal development and the child’s health after birth.
Modern foods often contain many preservatives and substitutes, so it’s important to monitor the diet to ensure the baby gets enough minerals.
How to Reduce the Risk of Dental Problems in the Child
Care for children begins before birth. A proper routine, outdoor activity, and good nutrition help prevent health problems.
To prevent dental issues, pregnant women should consume foods rich in:
- Calcium (Ca) – dairy products;
- Vitamin D – seafood, eggs;
- Fluoride (F) – walnuts, oats, green tea, vegetables;
- Vitamin C – fruits.
It’s also important to consider how different minerals interact to improve absorption.
After the sixth month of pregnancy, active tooth mineralization occurs, forming permanent teeth. Sometimes additional calcium and fluoride supplementation is necessary.
Oral Hygiene for Children from 0 to 3 Years
Baby teeth usually begin to erupt around 6–7 months, and by one year, up to 8 teeth may appear.
Establishing oral hygiene habits early is important for a healthy smile. The condition of milk teeth affects the development of permanent teeth. Improper care can lead to misaligned bites and cavities in primary teeth can affect permanent teeth buds.
It is recommended that a pediatric dentist examines the child when the first incisor appears.
Key tips for maintaining oral hygiene in young children:
- Breastfeeding;
- Ensure proper latching on a nipple or bottle;
- Do not feed the baby while sleeping;
- Introduce solid foods to develop jaw muscles;
- Wipe teeth with a water-soaked cotton pad morning and evening after feeding;
- After one year, teach toothbrushing in a playful manner.
Children imitate adults, so demonstrating good habits is crucial.
Oral Care Rules for Children from 3 Years
By age three, a child can usually brush teeth independently.
To ensure effective brushing:
- Move the brush from top to bottom, removing plaque from all tooth surfaces;
- Gradually increase brushing time from 1 to 3 minutes;
- Use only a small amount of toothpaste.
A pediatric orthodontist should examine the child every six months.
