Perinatal Oral Health

Without widely accepted guidelines for dental care during pregnancy, health providers lack evidence-based guidance on which to make the best decisions for their patients and often express concern about the liability of providing treatment to pregnant women. As a result, many women do not receive oral health services that would benefit their health, pregnancies and children.

In February 2009,  the California Dental Association Foundation, in collaboration with the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, District IX (ACOG District IX), convened an expert panel of medical and dental professionals to present a review of scientific literature and recent research to derive practice guidelines based on evidence and professional consensus.  The product of that work is “Oral Health During Pregnancy and Early Childhood: Evidence-based Guidelines for Health Professionals,” which substantiates the relationship between health and oral health status, and promotes the importance and safety of dental care during pregnancy.  Where possible, the material was adapted, supplemented, updated, and rewritten based on the 2006 New York State Department of Health publication, Oral Health Care During Pregnancy and Early Childhood Practice Guidelines.

The document contains guidance for care providers dedicated to prenatal health, oral health, and child health.  In addition, guidelines are included for community-based programs to encourage oral health in their client education efforts.  These easy-to-follow guidelines are supported by a significant body of evidence that was rigorously reviewed by the project’s advisory committee and panel of experts.

The CDA Foundation would like to acknowledge the generous support of the California HealthCare Foundation for providing significant funding for this project.  In addition, support from the Sierra Health Foundation, First 5 California, and Anthem Blue Cross Foundation contributed to this project’s success.