Ask the Dentist: Dental Diet and Nutrition Guide for Pregnant Women

Pregnancy is a time of high nutritional demand, and if key vitamins and minerals are insufficient, it can make the mother more prone to oral health problems such as gum disease, tooth sensitivity, enamel erosion, and delayed healing.

Here’s how specific nutrients play a role 👇

🦷 1. Calcium and Vitamin D: Protecting Teeth and Bone Support

• Why they matter: Calcium helps maintain the strength of teeth and jawbone, while vitamin D allows the body to absorb calcium effectively.
• What happens if deficient:
  • Increased risk of tooth demineralisation and jawbone loss around teeth (periodontal bone loss).
  • Gums may become more inflamed due to low calcium and vitamin D affecting immune response.
  • Some studies link vitamin D deficiency to greater risk of tooth decay, pregnancy gingivitis and periodontitis.
• Sources: Dairy products, fortified plant milks, cheese, yoghurt, leafy greens, salmon, eggs, and safe sunlight exposure.

📘 Supporting research:

• Kumar, S. et al. (2023) – “The Role of Vitamin D in Oral Health and Disease.” Nutrients, 15(3), 624.
  → Found that low vitamin D is associated with higher risk of gingival inflammation and bone loss.
• Botelho J, Machado V, Proença L, Delgado AS, Mendes JJ (2020). Vitamin D Deficiency and Oral Health: A Comprehensive Review. Nutrients. 2020 May 19;12(5):1471. doi: 10.3390/nu12051471. PMID: 32438644; PMCID: PMC7285165.
• → Found that low vitamin D is associated with higher risk of dental caries
• Ziada, S., Wishahe, A., Mabrouk, N. et al (2025). Vitamin D deficiency and oral health: a systematic review of literature. BMC Oral Health 25, 468 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12903-025-05883-w
• →Vitamin D deficiency can lead to various oral health disorders during growth and adulthood. Indeed, it can be linked to tooth mineralization defects and increasing the risk of dental caries.

🍊 2. Vitamin C: For Healthy Gums and Healing

• Why it matters: Vitamin C is vital for collagen formation, tissue repair, and gum strength.
• Deficiency effects:
  • Leads to swollen, bleeding gums and slower healing after dental cleanings or extractions.
  • Severe deficiency (scurvy, though rare) causes severe gum disease and tooth loosening.
• Sources: Citrus fruits, strawberries, kiwi fruit, broccoli, tomatoes, capsicum.

📘 Supporting research:

• Gokhale, N. et al. (2017) – Journal of Periodontology: Low vitamin C levels correlated with higher bleeding on probing and periodontal pocket depth among pregnant women.

🦷 3. B Vitamins (Folate, B6, B12): For Oral Tissue and Red Blood Cells

• Why they matter: B vitamins help maintain oral mucosa, promote tissue regeneration, and support red blood cell production.
• Deficiency effects:
  • Folate deficiency increases gum inflammation and risk of ulcers.
  • B12 deficiency can cause glossitis (inflamed tongue), mouth ulcers, and delayed wound healing.
  • Low folate during pregnancy also affects fetal neural development.
• Sources: Leafy greens, beans, lentils, eggs, dairy, lean meat, fortified cereals.

📘 Supporting research:

• Saito, T. et al. (2010) – “Folate and periodontal disease in pregnant women.” Journal of Clinical Periodontology: Found lower serum folate levels were linked with more severe gingival inflammation during pregnancy.

🩸 4. Iron: For Oxygen and Immunity

• Why it matters: Iron prevents anaemia and supports immune function.
• Deficiency effects:
  • Anaemia reduces oxygen flow to tissues, making gums more susceptible to infection.
  • Can cause burning mouth syndrome, pale gums, and delayed healing after dental treatment.
• Sources: Lean red meat, chicken, fish, eggs, legumes, leafy greens, iron-fortified cereals.

📘 Supporting research:

• Okada, M. et al. (2011) – “Iron deficiency and oral health in pregnant women.” Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition: Found that iron-deficient pregnant women had a higher prevalence of gingival bleeding and oral mucosal changes.

🧬 5. Protein and General Nutrition

• Why it matters: Protein supports gum tissue, collagen repair, and overall immune defense.
• Deficiency effects:
  • Slower healing of oral wounds, gum fragility, and increased risk of infection.
• Sources: Eggs, fish, meat, tofu, beans, dairy, nuts, legumes.

⚠️ The Consequences of Deficiency

When the mother’s diet lacks these nutrients:

• Gums become more prone to inflammation (pregnancy gingivitis).
• Healing slows down after dental procedures.
• Cavities may develop more easily if enamel is weakened or if dietary patterns change (e.g., frequent snacking or vomiting due to morning sickness).
• Bone supporting the teeth can lose density if calcium and vitamin D are low.

🩺 Professional Insight

Both the Australian Dental Association (ADA) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommend that:

“Pregnant women maintain optimal nutrition, including adequate calcium, vitamin D, vitamin C, folate, and iron intake, to support oral and overall health during pregnancy.”

Neglecting nutrition and oral hygiene can lead to periodontal disease, which has been associated (in some studies) with preterm birth and low birth weight — although evidence on direct causation is still mixed.

✅ Practical Tips for Expectant Mums

1. Eat a balanced, nutrient-rich diet — include dairy or calcium-fortified options, fruits, vegetables, and protein.
2. Take prenatal vitamins as recommended by your doctor or obstetrician.
3. Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily.
4. Book a dental check-up early in pregnancy to detect and prevent issues.
5. Rinse after morning sickness with a teaspoon of baking soda in water to neutralise acid before brushing.

📚 Reference Studies:

• Bahardoust, M. et al. (2024). Association between prenatal vitamin D deficiency and dental caries in infants and children. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 24(1):256.
• Kumar, S. et al. (2023). The Role of Vitamin D in Oral Health and Disease. Nutrients, 15(3), 624.
• Saito, T. et al. (2010). Folate and periodontal disease in pregnant women. J Clin Periodontol.
• Okada, M. et al. (2011). Iron deficiency and oral health in pregnant women. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr.

Final note from My Local Dentists

Your oral health matters for your comfort, confidence and overall pregnancy health. Don’t let myths or fear stop you from getting care — modern dentistry is built to protect both you and your baby. If you’re pregnant (or planning pregnancy), book a check-up with us. We’ll answer your questions, coordinate with your obstetric team if needed, and make sure you get safe, evidence-based healthcare.

Book an appointment with My Local Dentists today — let’s keep you smiling through pregnancy and beyond.

Disclaimer:

The information provided in this blog is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical or dental advice. It is not a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment, or advice from a qualified dentist or healthcare provider. Always seek the guidance of your dentist or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your oral health or a medical condition. Never disregard professional advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this website.