Oral Health Care During Pregnancy

Abstract

 Pregnant women most often do not receive oral health care. In Maryland, of the 30,743 pregnant women covered by Medicaid/year; only 27% accessed covered oral health services while pregnant.  There are associations between preterm births and periodontal disease. Since the risk of dental care is minimal and the benefits may be large dental care should be part of basic OB counseling.  Dental care during pregnancy also will dental cavities, reducing the risk of dental cavities to the newborn.  There is a need to inform pregnant women that dental care is safe during pregnancy and why oral health is important for her and her future baby.