The role of proper maternal nutrition during pregnancy for caries prevention in both mother and child. Opinion of the working group of the Polish Alliance for a Cavity-Free Future on dental prophylaxis in pregnant women

Abstract

Introduction. Proper nutrition in pregnancy has effects on the health and well-being of the mother as well as is a key factor responsible for foetal growth and development, which are initiated at conception and last throughout pregnancy. Aim. The aim of the paper was to present relevant data on the role of prenatal maternal nutrition for caries prevention in both mother and child. Material and methods. Pubmed, EMBASE, MEDLINE, guidelines of dental associations and World Health Organization were searched using the following keywords: “diet”, “dentition”, “pregnancy”, “oral health in pregnancy”. Results. The diet of a pregnant woman should be well-balanced and rich in proteins, calcium, phosphorus, fluorine and vitamins (A, C and D). Women should avoid sneaks between meals or at night to avoid dental plaque accumulation and oral pH decrease. Balanced nutrition influences the development of future nutritional habits of the child as taste receptors begin to develop already at month 4 of pregnancy. High maternal consumption of confectionery in this period may in the future increase the child’s tendency to consume sweet food products. Conclusions. There is a need to intensify dental prophylaxis among pregnant women through introduction and promotion of proper nutrition in dental offices, up-dating teaching programs for dental hygienists and education in birth schools.