When pregnant, you typically look after your health very carefully. You might watch what you eat, exercise more, etc. That said, your “bun in the oven” will restrict your dental care options. The truth is that you should avoid fluoride treatment while pregnant. Otherwise, your unborn child’s IQ may drop. Let your Gahanna dentist explain the details. Here’s a primer on fluoride treatment, how it can hurt a baby’s IQ, and whether fluoride is ever safe during pregnancy.
Wait, What’s Fluoride Treatment?
For context, it’s best to review the basics of fluoride treatment. Doing so helps you see why it might harm your little one.
Put simply, fluoride is a mineral that bolsters teeth and prevents cavities. It’s thus been essential to oral care for decades. In fact, it acts as an ingredient in items like toothpaste and mouthwash. However, the mineral can be toxic in large quantities.
Given these facts, many dentists offer skilled fluoride treatment. This service applies a fluoridated rinse, foam, or gel to your teeth. The applied material has more fluoride than other products, strengthening your smile.
Why Shouldn’t You Get It While Pregnant?
Despite its upsides, fluoride treatment isn’t good when you’re pregnant. There’s a decent chance it’ll lower your unborn child’s IQ.
Current research backs this conclusion. In 2019, a study published in JAMA Pediatrics linked a mother’s fluoride exposure to lower IQ scores in their kids. This finding was based on details from 400 women, which researchers used to learn the mothers’ daily fluoride intake.
Today, the reason behind the fluoride-IQ link is unclear. Some scientists think it relates to the unborn child’s brain, which may collect excess fluoride. This collection could then damage areas related to learning and memory.
Is Fluoride Ever Safe During Pregnancy?
Fluoride treatment isn’t wise during pregnancy, but you can get the mineral from other sources. It shouldn’t affect your child’s IQ in lower quantities.
Reputable public health groups support this claim. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, fluoride from toothpaste and water is still good for pregnant women. Also, the American Dental Association maintains its commitment to fluoridated water.
With all that said, those with pregnancies should rest easy. They can just monitor their fluoride intake and see a doctor if issues arise.
In the end, you should avoid fluoride treatment while pregnant. Still, make sure to take proper care of your smile at home!
About the Practice
Claybrooke Dental of Gahanna is based in Gahanna, OH. Led by Drs. Buller and Odenweller, our practice seeks to give each patient a stellar smile. To that end, we offer preventive, cosmetic, and restorative services, as well as emergency dental care. Our team can also provide gum disease therapy and dental sedation as needed. For more information or to book a visit, you can reach us on our website or by phone at (614)-475-1874.