The role of nutritional intake on dental caries prevention in pregnant women

Introduction: Pregnant women are included in the vulnerable group to experience dental caries due to changes in diet to hormonal changes during pregnancy. In the first and second trimesters, pregnant women often consume cariogenic foods, increasing dental caries. Prevention of dental caries in pregnant women can be done by adopting a healthy diet through the provision of good nutrition. Purpose: This study was conducted to determine the relationship between nutritional intake and the prevention of dental caries in pregnant women. Method: The collection of scientific data was conducted through a systematic search of journal databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Elsevier. Discussion: Nutrient intake in the diet of pregnant women containing vitamins, minerals, calcium, phosphate, and fluoride is useful for encouraging tooth remineralization, which plays an important role in preventing dental caries. Meanwhile, the habit of pregnant women consuming cariogenic food must be reduced because it causes demineralization of the tooth surface and results in caries. Conclusion: Nutritional intake is related to the prevention of dental caries in pregnant women. Good nutritional intake and withdrawal of cariogenic foods during pregnancy can reduce the occurrence of dental caries in pregnant women.