What Effect Does Fluoride Exposure Have on Pregnancy?

Clinical Implications

• Higher levels of fluoride exposure during pregnancy were associated with lower IQ scores in offspring at ages 3 to 4 years, according to a prospective birth cohort study from 6 cities in Canada.

• Because fluoride exposure during pregnancy may be associated with adverse effects on child intellectual development, there is a possible need to reduce fluoride intake during pregnancy, even among women exposed to optimally fluoridated water.

• Implications for the Healthcare Team: The benefits of fluoride occur mostly at the tooth surface after eruption, and there is no benefit of systemic exposure to fluoride during pregnancy to prevent caries in offspring.