Oral Health During Pregnancy

Importance and Safety of Oral Healthcare during Pregnancy

Dental care during pregnancy is an essential part of health management for both mother and baby
Pregnant women are at increased risk for poor oral health including gingivitis (an early stage of gum disease) due to changing hormone levels as well as vomiting and acid reflux [1]
There is a strong association between periodontal disease and preterm deliveries.
During pregnancy, women are vulnerable to calcium loss if they are not attaining enough calcium in her diet [2]
Women are at increased risk for gingival hyperplasia and gingivitis during pregnancy

[1] March of Dimes. (2019). Dental Health During Pregnancy. Retrieved from https://www.marchofdimes.org/pregnancy/dental-health-during-pregnancy.aspx

[2] NIH Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases National Resource Center. (2018). Pregnancy, Breastfeeding, and Bone Health. Retrieved from https://www.bones.nih.gov/health-info/bone/bone-health/pregnancy

Ask mothers if they have a dental home or in need of oral health resources. If they do not have a dentist or if urgent care is needed, direct them to the Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Georgia Resource Portal.

This resource can be used to find local dental providers and includes Medicaid providers
Mother can also call the Georgia Family Healthline at 1-(800)-300-9003

Clients covered by Medicaid need to bring a completed DMA 635 form, which can be found and in the GAMMIS portal.

During the first prenatal education workshop, provide the following assessment:

Inform clients that sugar, tobacco, vapes, alcohol, marijuana and other recreational drugs have detrimental effects on oral health
Have clients reflect on the following:
- Frequency of consuming beverages, food, and medications that contain sugar
- Consumption of above substances

Advise clients:

Oral health care is safe during all trimesters and should not be postponed or avoided during pregnancy.
Even X-rays, local anesthesia, and most pain medications are important and safe during pregnancy (and they are covered by Medicaid)
Schedule an appointment with a dentist as early in pregnancy as possible.

Teach the following topics during prenatal education:

Advise clients to bring a “dental note” from their primary care providers to their dentists, stating that dental work is safe for the client.

Many dentists will not see pregnant women without an “okay” from their doctors.
Dentists who have been practicing for a while may not be updated on new standards of care for pregnant women.
For clients with Medicaid, bring a DMA 635 form, which also tells providers the estimated date of delivery.

Provide handouts at front desk and/or during prenatal education workshops.

How have you promoted oral healthcare during pregnancy during classes/workshops?
What is your understanding of the safety of oral healthcare during pregnancy?