Ever heard someone say their child has “weak enamel”?
Symptoms like sensitivity, discoloration, frequent cavities, or chipping teeth can all point to enamel defects — and here’s what’s fascinating: many of these issues trace back to before birth.
Specifically, “enamel defects of developmental origin” are present when the tooth first erupts which means something interfered with proper enamel formation during pregnancy. These types of enamel defects are not rare — they now affect 38% of children!
What causes this? While we still don’t know all the factors, we do know that enamel development (amelogenesis) begins in the third trimester — and it turns out one nutrient in particular may help prevent these lifelong dental issues.
A double-blind, randomized controlled trial published in JAMA Pediatrics found that children of mothers who supplemented with 2,800 IU of vitamin D per day in the third trimester had a 50% lower risk of enamel defects by age 6, compared to those whose mothers only took 400 IU per day.
The researchers called it “a breakthrough in understanding and prevention of the disease.”
And vitamin D doesn’t stop at dental health. This nutrient affects much more than dental health.
Despite its importance, the current RDA for pregnancy (600 IU) is woefully outdated. In fact, a large body of research shows that intakes of 4,000 IU/day are both safe and are linked to the best pregnancy, birth, and infant outcomes.
In addition to Vitamin D, there are other essential minerals that play a huge role in laying down healthy foundations for strong teeth. These include the correct forms of calcium, natural mineral fluoride, silica, and magnesium just to name a few. Our body is made up of hundreds of minerals, without which the matrix or foundation of all tissue cannot form properly.
This is just another reason to consult a qualified naturopath before you try to conceive to ensure that:
your nutrient levels are adequate, you don’t have any blocks to absorption – i.e. heavy metals or other environmental toxins, all metabolic pathways are clear and function as they should, and that you get good advice on diet and which supplements may be suitable for you.
Armed with the right information you can literally shape your child’s future dental health.
