Visits to a dentist for problems during pregnancy was linked with reduced odds of conditions such as gestational diabetes – prompting calls for better integration of oral care education in maternity services.
A new study, published in the Journal of the American Dental Association, found that pregnant women who received preventive oral health care or visited a dentist or a dental clinic for oral health problems during pregnancy had a lower risk of developing gestational diabetes and hypertensive disorders.
‘Our findings reinforce the connection between oral health and overall health,’ said Dr Simona Surdu, project director at the Center for Health Workforce Studies.
‘Integrating oral health education and services into maternal health care and expanding the oral health workforce through training, better distribution and inter-professional collaboration with prenatal care providers can improve access to oral health services for pregnant women – especially in underserved populations – and help reduce the risks of gestational diabetes and hypertensive disorders.’
‘Dentists need to improve their knowledge and willingness to treat pregnant women, especially those with pregnancy complications.’
Preventative care
Dr Urshla Devalia, British Society of Paediatric Dentistry (BSPD) spokesperson, said: ‘Understanding how a preventative oral care approach can benefit the overall health of a pregnant woman, and thereby her baby, is important.
‘BSPD supports policy interventions that prioritise maternal nutrition education as well as the importance of integrating dental care within antenatal services. This is the perfect time to promote health for both mother and baby, including the identification of risk factors for preterm birth.
‘The society supports health visitors discussing good oral health practices during checks, emphasising the role of early intervention in preventing dental issues in themselves and their children. A sound start for early childhood oral health actually begins at the preconception and pregnancy stages.
‘This is also a key opportunity to apply the principles of Making Every Contact Count (MECC), ensuring that every professional interaction reinforces healthy behaviours and connects families to the right care at the right time.’
Maternity knowledge
University at Albany researchers analysed data from the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS), a longstanding data repository maintained by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, between 2016 and 2020.
Women who did not receive preventive oral health care had 1.13-fold greater odds of having gestational diabetes and 1.08-fold greater odds of having hypertensive disorders of pregnancy than those who did.
Lack of needed visits to a dentist or dental clinic during pregnancy was associated with 1.28-fold greater odds of having hypertensive disorders of pregnancy than in women without dental problems.
The research team believed the findings have practical implications: ‘Healthcare professionals should emphasise the importance of obtaining oral health care services to promote oral and overall health among pregnant women.
‘Dentists need to improve their knowledge and willingness to treat pregnant women, especially those with pregnancy complications.’
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