Pregnant Mothers Can Protect Unborn Baby’s Teeth By Taking Calcium

Pregnant Mothers Can Protect Unborn Baby’s Teeth By Taking Calcium

Researchers at the Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy in Buenos Aires, Argentina, found that when a woman takes calcium supplements while pregnant, she’s helping protect her baby’s teeth.

As part of the study, researchers tracked 195 children whose mothers either took a calcium supplement or placebo while pregnant until their twelfth birthday.

The children whose mothers had taken the calcium supplements had a 27 percent reduction of filled or missing teeth, and in tooth decay in both the permanent and primary teeth. They also believe that the study may show that tooth mineralization begins in the womb, and that by programming for mineralization through supplementation in the womb, children could enjoy extra protection from tooth decay throughout life.

Pregnant women should discuss calcium supplementation with their doctors, as prenatal supplements often contain calcium. In order to achieve the appropriate dosage, an additional supplement may be recommended, depending on the prenatal supplement the woman chooses.