Prioritizing oral health in pregnancy

Pregnant women are particularly susceptible to gum and periodontal disease. The biochemical and hormonal changes of pregnancy enhance the risk. In addition, pregnant women may not experience symptoms until advanced disease stages and therefore unknowingly increase perinatal risk. Associated risks include: premature birth, low birth weight babies, pre-eclampsia, ulcerations of the gingival tissue, pregnancy granuloma, and tooth erosion. These risks increase in women who smoke, experience nutritional deficiencies, or have less frequent visits to the dentist. Many women fail to see the importance of oral care in pregnancy while others experience barriers to care. Health care providers should be educated to recognize the risks of oral health complications during pregnancy. This article provides a review of literature on the correlations between oral health and pregnancy. Implications for practice include: enhanced screening and referral services in preconception and pregnant populations, providing oral health education in clinics, and advocating affordable oral health for all pregnant women.