Stressful life events, oral health, and barriers to dental care during pregnancy

Objectives

Poor oral health during pregnancy poses risks to maternal and infant well-being. However, limited research has documented how proximate stressful life events (SLEs) during the prenatal period are associated with oral health and patterns of dental care utilization.

Methods

Data come from 13 states that included questions on SLEs, oral health, and dental care utilization in the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System for the years 2016–2020 (n = 48,658). Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to assess the association between levels of SLE (0, 1–2, 3–5, or 6+) and a range of (1) oral health experiences and (2) barriers to dental care during pregnancy while controlling for socio-demographic and pregnancy-related characteristics.

Results

Women with more SLEs in the 12 months before birth—especially six or more—reported worse oral health experiences, including not having dental insurance, not having a dental cleaning, not knowing the importance of caring for teeth and gums, needing to see a dentist for a problem, going to see a dentist for a problem, and unmet dental care needs. Higher levels of SLEs were also associated with elevated odds of reporting barriers to dental care.

Conclusions

SLEs are an essential but often understudied risk factor for poor oral health, unmet dental care needs, and barriers to dental care services. Future research is needed to understand better the mechanisms linking SLEs and oral health.