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Pregnancy and Oral Health

During pregnancy, oral health care is essential, yet often underutilized.

Poor oral health during pregnancy is linked to preeclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy), preterm birth, and low-birth-weight infants.

Adequate pre- and postnatal care, better interprofessional communication between oral health and maternal health providers, and policies to expand Medicaid coverage could significantly improve these poor outcomes, especially for Black women.

Image of pregnant woman getting a dental exam

75%

Approximately 60–75% of pregnant people experience oral health issues that raise the likelihood of poor birth outcomes and major complications.
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44%

Less than half of pregnant people received dental care during their pregnancy, primarily due to financial barriers.
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3x

Black women in the US are 3 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women.
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10.5%

10.5% of infants in the US were born prematurely in 2021, up from 10.1% in 2020.
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Latest Research about Pregnancy and Oral Health

Image of report cover Addressing the Role of Oral Health in Maternal Mortality and Pregnancy Outcomes

Addressing the Role of Oral Health in Maternal Mortality and Pregnancy Outcomes

The connection between oral health and poor pregnancy outcomes is often overlooked.
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Report: Role of Medicaid Adult Dental Benefits During Pregnancy and Postpartum

The Role of Medicaid Adult Dental Benefits During Pregnancy and Postpartum

Dental care is essential during pregnancy. What actions can policymakers take to address barriers to dental care for pregnant people?
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Image of report cover Medicaid Adult Dental Benefits Offered to Specific Beneficiary Groups

Medicaid Adult Dental Benefits Offered to Specific Beneficiary Groups

Eleven states cover dental services for pregnant adults that are not provided to other adult beneficiaries.
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Image of report cover Oral and Mental Health During and After Pregnancy

Oral and Mental Health During and After Pregnancy

The importance of medical-dental-behavioral integration during pregnancy and postpartum.
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Continuing Education about Pregnancy and Oral Health

Exploring the Myths and Misconceptions about Oral Health and Pregnancy

Despite the longstanding advocacy of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) for routine dental care before and during pregnancy, there’s still a significant disconnect between the awareness and implementation of these recommendations in clinical practice. This gap in care can lead to suboptimal perinatal outcomes and overlooked oral health needs in pregnant patients. 

In this self-paced course, you will learn to apply the most recent guidelines for dental care in pregnant patients to clinical scenarios, integrating current research findings into treatment and care plans. Eligible for 1 free CE credit.

Explore the Self-Paced Course
woman who is pregnant

State Dashboard

Medicaid Adult Benefits During Pregnancy and Postpartum and Birth Outcomes by State

Policymakers, administrators, and advocates can use this tool to examine Medicaid expansion and eligibility in their state and ensure they are providing coverage that supports the oral health and overall health of pregnant people and their babies.