Oral health during pregnancy

The purpose of this article is to explore how poor oral health affects pregnancy and to review current recommendations for dental care during pregnancy. While nurses are concerned with numerous aspects of the health of pregnant women, the health of maternal and fetal dentition may be overlooked. However, due to recent findings that periodontal disease may be a risk factor for preterm low birthweight, nurses and other maternal healthcare providers are becoming more aware of oral health during pregnancy. It is important to understand that establishing a healthy oral environment is the most important objective in planning the dental care for the pregnant patient. This objective is achieved by adequate plaque control (brushing and flossing) and professional prophylaxis including coronal scaling, root planing, and polishing. Nurses, nurse practitioners, and nurse-midwives should include assessment of maternal dentition and referral for dental problems as part of their prenatal practice. Patients should be encouraged to schedule elective dental treatment during the second trimester but seek prompt care for acute dental problems. Teaching related to oral health during pregnancy should include the importance of proper nutrition to ensure maternal and fetal oral health, including taking prenatal vitamins and eating foods high in protein, calcium, phosphorus, and vitamins A, C, and D. Potential teratogens that may be encountered during dental care should also be discussed. Nurses can be vital in improving perinatal outcomes and maternal/fetal dental health through screening, referral, and education of their pregnant clients.