Two organizations have recently released reports regarding health outcomes in pregnancy related to oral health. Both emphasize the critical need for oral health care during pregnancy.
The CareQuest Institute for Oral Health recently released a report emphasizing the critical need for integrating medical, dental, and behavioral health services during and after pregnancy to improve health outcomes. The report reveals that pregnant individuals are at higher risk for oral health issues, like periodontal disease, which can lead to complications such as low birth weight and preterm birth. Despite this, only two-thirds of pregnant individuals seek dental care.
The report also highlights a significant increase in mental health conditions during pregnancy, with diagnoses of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders rising by 93% from 2008 to 2020. The CareQuest Institute stresses that oral health, mental health, and overall health are interconnected, urging for a more integrated health care approach. Key findings suggest that mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression, are linked to poorer oral health outcomes, and implementing a combined care model is essential for better outcomes for both birthing parents and newborns. The report calls for better collaboration between healthcare providers, as only 4% of pregnant individuals received a dental referral during pregnancy. From the report:
Individuals with mental health conditions such as depression are less likely to brush their teeth, more likely to rate their oral health as poor, and less likely to seek oral health care for those issues than people without mental health problems.
For more information and to read the full report, click here.
Pregnancy Complications Linked to Dental Neglect
A separate study conducted by the Oral Health Workforce Research Center highlights the link between dental neglect and pregnancy complications, such as gestational diabetes and hypertensive disorders. Despite the importance of oral health during pregnancy, fewer than 40% of pregnant women in the U.S. seek preventive oral care. The study, conducted by researchers at the University at Albany, analyzed data from the CDC’s Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) between 2016 and 2020. It found that women who did not receive regular dental care or delayed treatment had higher risks of developing these complications, particularly among lower-income and minority groups. On the other hand, women who received preventive oral health care or sought dental treatment during pregnancy had a lower risk of such complications. The study underscores the importance of integrating oral health services into maternal care and improving access for underserved populations to reduce these health risks.
Learn more about UAlbany’s Center for Health Workforce Studies and the Oral Health Workforce Research Center.
New Report: Integrating Oral and Mental Health During and After Pregnancy is Critical to Improving Health Outcomes
Pregnancy Complications Linked to Dental Neglect
