If you’re expecting, you’ve probably talked with your doctor about the value of eating a diet that's nourishing for you and your baby.
What you eat can also reduce your risks for dental concerns during pregnancy — a time when changing hormone levels may affect your teeth and gums. Your baby’s teeth will benefit from a healthy prenatal diet, too!
Prenatal nutrition and your baby’s dental health
Your baby’s teeth begin to form during the first trimester of pregnancy. In fact, infants are born with all 20 primary teeth in place under their gums.
This is just one reason your doctor encourages you to eat a diet rich in nutrients that supports healthy tooth development as your baby grows.
What does a mouth-healthy diet look like during pregnancy?
When you’re expecting, you may notice your gums are more tender. Some people develop pregnancy gingivitis, an early stage of gum disease. Taking extra-good care of your teeth and mouth and eating nutrient-dense foods can make a healthy difference.
Be sure to:
- Eat plenty of foods rich in vitamin C — such as strawberries, oranges and kiwi — which supports your immune system, strengthens blood vessels and supports collagen production (all good for your gums).
- Add foods that deliver beta-carotene, like sweet potatoes, tomatoes, carrots, spinach, lettuce, broccoli, cantaloupe or winter squash. Your body converts this nutrient to vitamin A, another ally in keeping your mouth healthy.
- Look for good sources of omega-3 such as nuts, seeds, fish, brussels sprouts or soy-based products, which help regulate inflammation.
- Consume calcium-rich foods to help your baby’s teeth and bones grow strong. Dairy products are a prime source, but broccoli, kale and fortified juices, plant milks and cereals can help you get enough of this nutrient.
- Vitamin D is also key for bone and tooth development. Good sources are salmon, tuna, swordfish and other cold-water fish; dairy, juice or plant milks with added vitamin D; and fortified cereals.
Getting the nutrients you need mainly through foods is recommended, though you should talk to your health care professional about taking a daily prenatal vitamin. For more insights on maternal nutrition, refer to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) dietary guidelines (PDF) and visit the USDA page on pregnancy. The March of Dimes also has helpful tips by trimester and insights for parents who follow a vegetarian, dairy-free or gluten-free diet.
For nutritional guidance for your baby, refer to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025-2030 (PDF).
What you drink makes a difference, too
Drinking plenty of water will keep you hydrated, with the added benefit of cleansing away leftover food between meals and snacks — a healthy boost for your teeth and gums. Choosing water with fluoride is good for your teeth and your baby’s, too.
Not sure if your local water supply is fluoridated? Check this online map to find out.
During pregnancy, you may visit the bathroom so often that the idea of drinking extra water sounds unappealing. But choosing plain water over beverages such as coffee, tea, sports and energy drinks might actually help. The caffeine often found in these drinks might perk you up, but it also boosts urine production.
Morning sickness, nutrition and your teeth
Pregnancy is a well-known cause of an upset stomach, which can happen at any time throughout the day. Consult your doctor if you find it hard to keep food down, since this can affect the nutrients you and your baby are getting.
To help ease your nausea, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) suggests:
- Dry toast or crackers in the morning before getting out of bed, which helps you avoid moving around on an empty stomach.
- Five or six mini meals a day to ensure your stomach is never empty.
- Frequent bites of foods like nuts, fruits or crackers.
Frequent vomiting is harmful to your dental health, since it brings digestive acids into your mouth where they can weaken the protective coating on your teeth (enamel). However, it’s best not to brush your teeth right after getting sick, since brushing the acid-weakened enamel may increase the risks of damaging your teeth.
Instead, rinse your mouth with water, diluted mouthwash or plain water mixed with one teaspoon of baking soda. Then brush 30 minutes or so later if you want to freshen your mouth.
More questions? Your dentist can help
If you’re worried about visiting the dentist while you’re pregnant, you’ll be glad to hear it’s completely safe. Your dentist has experience in managing pregnancy-related dental concerns and can help you deal with cavity risks, tender gums and more.
They can also answer questions about breastfeeding and your child’s dental health, pacifiers, thumb sucking and much more.
Looking for a new dentist? Check out the ADA’s Find-a-Dentist tool.
Last updated February 2026.