If you are a soon-to-be mom, it is critical that you eat right during pregnancy. Studies have shown that what expecting mothers eat can have a serious impact on the dental development of their babies.
As you likely know, the teeth of babies start developing at six weeks, so it is important for pregnant women to start eating a balanced diet on time. Expecting mothers who don’t brush regularly with an electric, plastic, or bamboo toothbrush and eat right are putting the oral health of their babies at risk.
Truth be told, eating healthy while pregnant isn’t easy. Putting together a healthy diet meal plan is a challenge for a lot of expecting mothers, as they can’t really tell, which food will be good for their baby.
This article is going to unveil 3 key nutrients that can improve the dental health of your baby and some healthy foods you can snack on when craving unhealthy foods.
Eat right during pregnancy- Ensure that your foods are loaded with these nutrients
Phosphorus
Phosphorus is an important mineral that can promote bone and teeth development in babies. Being deficient in this mineral can increase the risk of malformed teeth, cavities, and other oral conditions.
It is recommended that expecting mothers consume 700 milligrams of phosphorus daily. Below are some common sources of phosphorus.
- Eggs
- Seeds
- Nuts
- Dairy products
- Beans
- Fish
- Chicken
Vitamin D
Pregnant women should ensure that they are getting enough Vitamin D, as it can help their baby’s bones and teeth develop properly. Even more, it enables them to absorb important minerals like calcium. The NHS recommends that pregnant women consume 10 micrograms of Vitamin D daily. The primary source of vitamin D is the sun. You can get all the Vitamin D you need while taking a brief stroll in the morning. If for some reason you can go strolling, you should consider eating foods that are rich in Vitamin D. Below are some of them.
- Fatty fishes
- Fortified cereals
- Milk fortified with Vitamin D
Vitamin C
Just like Vitamin D and Phosphorous, Vitamin C also plays an important role in the development of the teeth of babies. Increasing your Vitamin C intake can help strengthen the strength and function of your baby’s inner teeth. Not getting enough Vitamin C can increase the risk of irregularities and some oral conditions. According to experts, pregnant women should consume 80 to 85 milligrams of vitamin C daily.
Below are some foods rich in Vitamin C
- Broccoli
- Kale
- Strawberries
- Brussels sprouts
- Kiwis
Taking chewable vitamin C tablets isn’t really a good idea, as their acid levels are high and can damage your enamel.
Eat right during pregnancy- Healthy foods to snack on
Even when following a healthy diet, there are going to be times when you crave unhealthy foods that won’t do much good to your baby’s dental health. In cases like this, you should consider snacking on the foods listed below.
Almond
Almond is an excellent snack for expecting mothers, as it is rich in magnesium, Vitamin E, and other important minerals that can make a huge difference in your baby’s dental health. Note that almonds are very filling, so if eat a small serving of them you are going to feel less hungry.
Yogurt
This is a great snack that is low in sugar and rich in protein, calcium, and probiotics. These minerals are essential for pregnant women.
Apple and cheese
If you are craving something sweet, you should opt for apple and cheese as they are delicious. Apple is rich in natural sugar that breaks down very easily. When you add cheese to it, you can be sure of getting calcium, fiber, and protein.
Final note
The food you eat during pregnancy can have a huge impact on the dental health of your baby. Since the teeth of babies start developing as early as 6-8 weeks, it is important that you start on time. Work with your doctor to prepare a diet that is rich in nutrients like Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and phosphorus.
Always remember that following a healthy diet can increase the odds of your child having strong teeth and bones.