New study finds that there may be a link to cavities in children and decreased levels of vitamin D. Some newborns are discovered lacking from the beginning when the pregnant mother has low levels of vitamin D.
A lack of vitamin D can interfere with enamel development, which can directly result in predisposition to increased cavity risk. The enamel forms when the fetus is in the womb and the prenatal vitamin D deficit can have an impact on the child even after they are born and before the teeth have even broken through the surface.

 A Canadian research team analyzed the levels of vitamin D in pregnant women during the second and third trimesters and conducted tests to see what the impact was on the oral health of their children. The total number of women tested was 207 and there were 135 children tested. The research determined that women with regular levels of vitamin D were significantly less likely to have children with cavities. There was also a correlation between mothers with a vitamin D deficiency and children that dealt with cavities.*

Pregnant mothers can increase their daily vitamin D intake to prevent these correlated risks and also provide supplements to their babies when born.
(*Source: Dentistry Today, Study performed by University of Manitoba)