Pregnancy and Fluoride

Image from scrapetv.com

Fluoride is a very important mineral. It helps in keeping the bones and teeth strong. Since your baby is growing, it needs every possible nutrient and fluoride is one of the most important ones. It builds bones, fights cavities and also prevents their development.

Why is it needed?

Fluoride is usually found in most tap water. It is required in a small amount, around 300mg per day. It is also the best known cavity fighter. All our toothpaste labels say that they have a particular amount of fluoride in it. Our teeth absorb the mineral, which strengthens them and also prevent the formation of weak spots which later develop into cavities. For the baby, it helps in forming strong bones by bonding with phosphorus and calcium. The baby requires fluoride in around the tenth week of pregnancy when its teeth begin to form. The molars and premolars develop in the second and the third trimester. So you need to be taking the required quantity of fluoride throughout your pregnancy. The best way is through tap water, which often comes with fluoride.

However, too much of it is also harmful as it causes fluorosis (a condition where there are spots on permanent teeth).

Is a supplement needed?

Usually, supplements are not required as long as you drink tap water. You can call your local water-works department to find out the amount of fluoride that is present in the water. However, if you use bottled water, it is time to switch to the tap version because bottled water isn’t fortified with fluoride. You must not drink bottled water exclusively as there is a risk of yours and your baby’s exposure to dental cavities. Consulting your doctor in case you plan to take some supplements is very necessary.

Best food sources

There isn’t a reliable food source of fluoride, so you have to rely on tap water to fulfill your requirement of it. However, traces of fluoride can be found in the following food sources:

• Cooked kale
• Boiled spinach
• Brewed black tea
• Nonfat milk
• Apple

You need to be very careful before you drink tap water. It must be purified properly and treated. If it is possible, you must boil it before you use it. Also, a very effective way of getting fluoride can be to use the tap water for cooking as well as for drinking. In that way the fluoride automatically comes in your food and you meet your requirement of the necessary mineral.

Related posts:

1. Pregnancy and Calcium
2. Pregnancy and Iron
3. Copper: Required for the Formation of Blood Cells
4. Riboflavin: the “energizing” Vitamin B
5. Prevent Birth Defects with Folic Acid
6. Nutrition Tips for Healthy Pregnancy
7. Vegetarian Pregnancy
8. Why are Dairy Products so Important?
9. Is Drinking During Pregnancy Right?
10. Pregnancy and Weight Gain