04/12/2025
A new study shows that children born to vitamin-D-deficient mothers are more likely to develop tooth decay in their first years of life.
Vitamin D is essential for proper enamel formation before birth. When maternal levels are low, developing baby teeth may mineralize poorly, resulting in weaker enamel that is more vulnerable to early childhood cavities.
Researchers at Zhejiang University in China followed more than 4,000 mother–child pairs and observed a consistent pattern: higher maternal vitamin D throughout pregnancy was linked to fewer cavities and healthier smiles in early childhood.
Screening and improving vitamin D during pregnancy — through safe sunlight exposure, balanced nutrition, and doctor-guided supplementation — may help protect children from cavities before they are even born.
Source:
Xu N, Chen Z, Wang B, et al. Vitamin D Levels During Pregnancy and Dental Caries in Offspring. JAMA Netw Open. 2025