Improving oral health during pregnancy : a call to action

Improving the health and wellness of all children begins with comprehensive prenatal care and optimal oral health during pregnancy. Associations between oral health, pregnancy outcomes, and children’s oral health are compelling. Evidence supports the standpoint that the parent’s oral health status is a predictor of their child’s oral health. Furthermore, poor oral health in childhood can lead to poor educational and social outcomes for the child, as well as long-term overall health effects into adulthood. Poor oral health during pregnancy is also associated with more immediate negative birth outcomes including low birth weight and prematurity. Equally important, people deserve to have their oral health preserved, as poor oral health can lead to pain, loss of employment, poor quality of life, and worsening of chronic health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. Common oral health conditions affected by hormonal changes especially during pregnancy include gingivitis, oral lesions, loose teeth, tooth erosion, periodontitis, and dental caries. With these important health issues at stake for parent and child, increased attention to oral health is warranted throughout the life span and particularly during the prenatal period.