Postpartum U.S. Women's Oral Health Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices During Pregnancy

The purpose of this study was to assess oral health knowledge, attitudes, and practices of women who had given birth in the United States within the past 2 years, and to evaluate factors affecting women's dental service utilization during pregnancy.

This study used a descriptive, cross-sectional design and employed non-probability sampling methods. The 47-item questionnaire included: oral health behaviors (8), knowledge (5), attitudes (12), and practices during pregnancy (10), and demographic (12) questions. Participants were recruited through multiple postpartum support group forums on Facebook. Logistic regression was used to identify potential predictors of dental utilization during pregnancy.

Ninety-one percent of the participants had at least an associate's degree, and 85.6% had dental insurance coverage during pregnancy. Approximately 56% knew the connection between poor oral health and pregnancy complications; however, only 11% obtained this information from their OBGYNs and 10% from their dental offices. Although women aware of the association were more likely to visit the dental office during pregnancy (64%, p < .001), the majority (74%) who experienced tooth or gum related issues during pregnancy reported not receiving any dental or gum treatment. Women, who had positive dental attitudes and awareness of an increased risk of pregnancy complications due to poor oral health, were more likely to receive dental care during pregnancy regardless of dental coverage.

Medical and dental providers could play an active role in educating women on the importance of having good oral health, potential oral/systemic relationships, and the benefits of receiving dental care during pregnancy.