Oral Health Care During Pregnancy and Through the Lifespan

Maintaining good oral health may have a positive effect on what?

1. Cardiovascular disease

2. Diabetes

3. Other disorders

What percent of women reported they did not have a dental visit? What about during pregnancy?

35% of U.S. women reported that they did not have a dental visit within the past year and 56% of women did not visit a dentist during pregnancy

Access to dental care is directly related to

Income level; the poorest women are least likely to have received dental care

Optimal maternal oral hygiene during the perinatal period may

Decrease the amount of caries-producing oral bacteria transmitted to the infacnt during common parenting behavior, such as sharing spoons

Is there an association between periodontal infection and preterm birth?

Some studies suggest a possible association, but the evidence is not conclusive

Does dental treatment during pregnancy improve preterm birth outcomes?

No, research shows no improvement in pregnancy outcomes after dental treatment

Are dental services safe during pregnancy?

Yes, studies show no safety concerns with routine dental care during pregnancy

What should pregnant women be counseled about regarding oral health?

• The importance of maintaining good oral hygiene

• The safety and value of receiving dental care during pregnancy

• Oral health contributes to overall health and well-being

Why is it important for healthcare providers to discuss oral health with pregnant patients?

Because preventive dental care supports general health, helps reduce oral infection risk, and encourages lifelong healthy habits

To prevent tooth decay, oral infections, and tooth loss, what does the ADA recommend?

Semiannual dental examinations and cleanings as well as daily brushing and flossing. They reaffirm the importance of oral health care during pregnancy

Oral health disorders (like periodontitis) are associated with many disease processes like what?

1. Cardiovascular diseases

2. Diabetes

3. Alzheimer disease

4. Respiratory infections

5. Osteoporosis of the oral cavity

What viral infection is one of the causes of oral cancer?

HPV; can be transmitted through oral sex

Physiologic changes during pregnancy may result in noticeable changes in the oral cavity, what like?

1. Pregnancy gingivitis

2. Benign oral gingival lesions

3. Tooth mobility

4. Tooth erosion

5. Dental caries

6. Periodontitis

What percent of pregnant women have periodontal disease?

40%

In what demographics of pregnant people do you typically see periodontal disease in? 

1. African American

2. Cigarette smokers

3. Users of public assistance programs

Studies have shown the correlation between preterm birth and what oral disease?

Periodontal disease

Is treating periodontal disease during pregnancy safe?

Yes, treatment is not associated with any adverse maternal or birth outcomes

What benefit does prenatal periodontal therapy provide?

It improves maternal oral health and helps reduce inflammation and infection in the mouth

Does periodontal treatment during pregnancy harm the fetus?

No, studies show it is safe for both mother and baby

Why should pregnant patients receive periodontal therapy?

To enhance oral health, promote comfort, and reduce bacterial load, supporting overall maternal well-being

How does Medicaid help pregnant women access dental care?

Pregnancy provides Medicaid coverage for prenatal medical and dental care, especially helping women of lower socioeconomic status

Which groups are least likely to get their teeth cleaned during pregnancy?

Black (24%) and Hispanic (25%) women

compared to White women (44%)

How many women receive oral health counseling during pregnancy?

Only about 40%, meaning most (59%) get no counseling at all.

What effect does prenatal counseling have on oral health care?

Women who receive oral health counseling are much more likely to get their teeth cleaned during pregnancy

Why should dentists and obstetricians collaborate during pregnancy?

Together they can encourage and maintain oral health, shaping lifelong habits for mothers and families

How can a mother’s oral bacteria affect her baby?

Mothers with poor oral health may transmit Streptococcus mutans to infants via shared utensils or pacifiers, increasing risk of early childhood caries

How can good maternal oral health protect the baby’s teeth?

Reducing maternal cariogenic bacteria delays or prevents bacterial colonization in the infant’s mouth

Do obstetricians routinely screen or refer for oral health?

Most acknowledge its importance but:

• 80% don’t use screening questions

• 94% don’t routinely refer patients to a dentist

Why are some dentists hesitant about treating pregnant patients?

They worry about the safety of dental procedures and medications during pregnancy, even though research shows they’re safe

How can provider education improve maternal oral care?

Better training and confidence in oral health and procedure safety → more screening, counseling, and referrals

When should oral health be assessed during pregnancy?

At the first prenatal visit, and women should be encouraged to see a dentist if it’s been >6 months since their last exam

Are dental X-rays and local anesthesia safe during pregnancy?

Yes, with abdominal and thyroid shielding, and lidocaine (± epinephrine) is safe

When can dental treatments like fillings or root canals be done?

Any time during pregnancy, delaying can cause worse problems later

What routine oral care should be emphasized?

• Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste

• Floss daily

• Limit sugary foods/drinks

• Dental visits twice a year

Which mouth products are safe during pregnancy?

Chlorhexidine rinses, fluoride mouthwash, and xylitol gum, no adverse effects reported, though not extensively studied

How can women with vomiting or reflux protect their teeth?

Rinse with baking soda solution (1 tsp in 1 cup water) or use antacids to neutralize acid exposure

Where is the burden of oral disease the greatest?

In disadvantaged and low-income populations, where there is significant unmet dental need

Why should obstetricians know about dental coverage?

So they can inform and refer patients appropriately, since Medicaid coverage for oral care varies by state

What should obstetric providers do to ensure patients get dental care?

Provide timely referrals, ideally with a written note or phone call, just like any specialist referral

How can collaboration improve oral care in pregnancy?

Building relationships between prenatal and dental providers supports a team approach to maternal oral health