Can Pregnant Women Get Fluoride Treatments?

Is It Safe? Fluoride is a mineral found in many natural water sources, as well as in seafood. It is a vital nutrient for proper functioning of different organs in your body, including your brain, bones, and teeth. The prevalence of fluoride in your drinking water will depend largely on the geology of your area, as this mineral seeps from rocks and soil to reach water sources. Any public health issues tend to occur only if the presence of fluoride is extremely high or extremely low in an area. Why Is Fluoride Important? Fluoride plays an essential role in the re-mineralization of your tooth enamel and helps prevent tooth decay and cavities caused by poor oral hygiene habits or sugary foods that increase the level of bacteria in your mouth. Due to its significance in the preservation and development of teeth, the optimal intake of fluoride during pregnancy has been extensively researched, as has postnatal development during the first few years after birth. Is Fluoride Safe During Pregnancy? When making decisions for two, you want to know that what you consume or are exposed to is in the best interest of both you and your baby, including fluoride treatments or other dental procedures. According to The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), although fluoride passes through the placenta, the placenta will block continued passage when the fluoride level becomes potentially toxic. Furthermore, research findings support fluoride’s role in preventing cavities in early childhood, when the mother’s intake during pregnancy was at the medically recommended level. Many pregnant women have questioned and researched the safety of fluoride treatments during pregnancy, and there has been extensive scientific research about this valid concern. In medically recommended doses, receiving fluoride treatments during pregnancy is a safe and effective preventive measure for your oral health, that you don’t have to skip during your pregnancy. For more information about dental care during your pregnancy, please contact our office.