Regular dental care and good oral health is important for women and babies

Background

Oral health is an important part of general health and well-being. The WHO stresses the importance of the relationship between good oral and general health, and the American Dental Association confirms the importance of oral health care during pregnancy. Proper oral hygiene practices may also inhibit passing caries producing bacteria to babies during common parenting activities, such as sharing spoons or licking soothers.

Pregnancy also brings about physiological changes that may affect oral health. Pregnancy gingivitis, tooth erosion and dental caries are just a few of the oral health conditions that affect many pregnant women.

Yet despite this knowledge, a large number of women do not receive, or seek, regular dental care. A variety of reasons ranging from financial constraints, lack of transportation or a lack of dental care providers contribute to this disturbing fact. Lack of education about the importance of oral health during pregnancy is also a major problem.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists provides an insightful look into the state of oral health care for women with their report.

About the report

The committee consulted numerous studies and reports dating from 2013 to as far back as 1984 in researching their opinion.

One particularly alarming observation stated by the committee is that “Access to dental care is directly related to income level.” This means that the groups of women most at risk (low income and minority groups) are less likely to seek or have access to proper oral health care.

Key points presented by the committee:

• About 40% of pregnant women have some form of periodontal disease.
• From 2007 to 2009, 35% of women in the US did not have a dental visit in the last year and 56% did not visit a dentist during pregnancy.
• A post partum survey in 10 US states showed that 59% of women received no counseling about oral health during pregnancy. Dental and obstetric teams can have an influence on helping women establish good, lifelong oral hygiene habits during pregnancy. Still, another study revealed that while most obstetricians recognize the need for oral health during pregnancy, 80% did not use oral health screening during prenatal visits and 94% did not routinely refer all patients to a dentist. Also, many dentists were concerned about the safety of dental procedures and medications during pregnancy.
• Regarding counseling during pregnancy, the committee sees pregnancy as a “teachable moment when women are motivated to adopt healthy behavior”. The report goes on to provide recommendations to take advantage of this moment and the chance it provides to improve oral health care for women during pregnancy and the rest of their lives.

Conclusions and recommendations

• ”Regular dental care is a key component to good oral and general health.”
• Evidence shows that oral health care during pregnancy including dental X-rays and local anesthesia is safe and should be recommended.
• “Improved oral health of the woman may decrease transmission of potentially cariogenic bacteria to infants and reduce children’s future risk of caries.”
• Routine oral health care such as limiting sugary drinks, brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing once daily and regular visits to the dentist should be reinforced.
• “Discuss oral health with all patients, including those that are pregnant or in the postpartum period.”
• Obstetricians and gynecologists are for many women the most visited health care professional. This creates an opportunity to educate women, including during pregnancy, about the importance of good oral hygiene.

Oral health screening questions:

1. Do you have swollen or bleeding gums, a toothache, problems in your mouth?

2. When was your last dental visit?

3. Do you need help finding a dentist?

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