Nutraceuticals for Maternal and Offspring’s Dental Health

Evidence shows that oral health status during pregnancy can influence gestational outcomes, maternal systemic health, and overall well-being. Both caries and periodontitis, the most common oral diseases, are preventable by optimal oral hygiene, and this should be promoted by private and public dental care services. However, no significant change in oral hygiene habits have been seen at population level in most developed countries and this brings a need for identifying other preventive measures, including other modifiable lifestyle factors, such as diet. The consumption of specific foods or minerals and vitamins has been associated with good oral and general health in the general population. It is plausible to assume that these foods, minerals, and vitamins would also have a beneficial effect during pregnancy. This chapter presents the available evidence on the effect of consumption of nutraceuticals for dental health during pregnancy.