Pregnancy and Your Child's Developing Teeth

A baby’s teeth are not visible at birth, but already exist underneath the gums. Children's primary teeth begin forming at about the sixth week of pregnancy, and start mineralizing — building the bonelike inner tooth layer (called dentin) and the super-hard enamel layer that covers it — around the third or fourth month of pregnancy.

There are certain steps you can take to ensure your baby is born with healthy teeth. Diet is key, and there are certain nutrients that are especially important for prenatal tooth development:

  • Calcium

Calcium is the main component of teeth. If there is not enough calcium in your diet to support fetal development, your body will actually take this mineral from your bones and use it to meet your developing baby's needs. Good for your baby, not so good for you. The best sources of dietary calcium are dairy foods such as milk, cheese, and yogurt. It can also be found in broccoli and kale.

  • Phosphorous

Phosphorus helps balance the amount of calcium in our bodies, and accounts for the hardness of teeth. The richest sources of phosphorus come from dairy, red meat, poultry, seafood, legumes, and nuts.

  • Vitamin D

Vitamin D helps our bodies absorb and use calcium. It is found in fish like salmon and tuna. Sometimes it is added to beverages, like orange juice and milk. It is also produced in the body naturally when skin is directly exposed to sunlight. Concerns about the negative effects of sun exposure may prevent you from getting all the vitamin D your body requires this way, so you may be advised to take a supplement.

  • Protein

Protein is responsible for building, maintaining, and replacing the body’s tissues. It is the action of a single protein that causes calcium-phosphate crystals to form tooth enamel rather than bone. Meats and dairy products are the most protein-rich. It is possible to get all the different proteins your body requires with a vegetarian diet, but you will need to pay closer attention to what combinations of foods will provide all the essential amino acids.

It’s also important to know that certain antibiotics and supplements should be avoided during pregnancy. Tetracycline, for example, can permanently stain teeth in utero. Fluoride supplementation at this time is not recommended either, as there are too many unanswered questions about its use during pregnancy. Before getting a new prescription, make sure to discuss your pregnancy with your healthcare provider.

Our Location

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Frederick, MD

Hagerstown, MD

 

Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule

Frederick, MD

Monday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

Closed

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Hagerstown, MD

Monday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

Closed

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

  • "[Review for Frederick Pediatric Dentistry]
    Kate became nervous for her exam when she sat in the chair. Dr. Amigo changed her schedule and did an exam on my older daughter first. Because Kate saw Anna getting the exam she then agreed to go with the hygienist. The hygienist was so caring and gentle with Kate. I know their schedule got thrown off because of this but that change gave Kate the confidence to do the exam and I appreciate it greatly. Irma, the dental assistant even came out to give the girls prizes when we were about to leave which made their day. Thank you all for being flexible in order to provide a positive experience for my children."
    By Katherine Marshall on 09/23/2020
  • "[Review for Frederick Pediatric Dentistry]
    Felt very safe and comfortable with all the Covid-19 ins we waited in our car till they called us and told us to meet up at the door are temperatures were taken hand sanitizer was given no air tools were used one way in one way out they literally thought of everything they could to protect their staff and the kids. It was a very pleasant experience during very unpleasant times"
    By Shayla Leatherman on 08/19/2020
  • "[Review for Frederick Pediatric Dentistry]
    For being a pediatric practice, they really do make my 5 year old feel comfortable. They took all the proper COVID-19 safety measures, which made me comfortable as well. The staff is professional and friendly, and they truly do make coming to the dentist an enjoyable experience."
    By Aubrey Schemm on 07/22/2020
  • "[Review for Frederick Pediatric Dentistry of Hagerstown]
    great experience every time. My Kids had a great time.My son who was terrified of dentists did absolutely wonderful at this first visit!!! The dental hygienists are very professional and very good at their jobs. One can tell off the bat that they have great experience with kids! would recommend them every time. Keep up the great work!"
    By Anonymous on 09/22/2020
  • "[Review for Frederick Pediatric Dentistry of Hagerstown]
    I have always loved this dentistry! Very glad to still have them for a dentist for my youngest daughter, as her brother would only let Dr Joe look at and do anything to his teeth growing up. Then he's seen my middle child and she still continues to come here! I wish he or his office would see adults cause I'm SURE my son would definitely come back to see Dr Joe, as I would love for him to be my dentist as well. All the employees are so friendly and if need anything they are there to help out anyway they can! They make you as well as your children feel very comfortable."
    By Aaliyah Frisby on 08/26/2020
  • "[Review for Frederick Pediatric Dentistry of Hagerstown]
    definitely from arrival to departure, the attention is super good especially with the protocol for the Covid-19 100% recommended"
    By Karianys Santiago on 06/26/2020
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