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Is it important and safe for pregnant women to receive oral health care during pregnancy?

It is important for pregnant women to get oral health care early in their pregnancy.

Most dental procedures, including x-rays, are safe during healthy pregnancies. To minimize radiation exposure from x-rays, the American Dental Association recommends that a leaded apron be placed on the pregnant woman's abdomen and throat while an x-ray is being taken. Dentists and dental hygienists do this routinely for everyone receiving x-rays.

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can increase a woman's risk for developing gingivitis (gum disease). Gingivitis makes the gums inflamed, swollen, and sensitive. The gums may also bleed. Preliminary studies suggest that pregnant women with moderate to severe periodontitis (progression of gingivitis) may be at increased risk for delivering infants early. They may also be at risk for delivering low-birthweight infants.

Pregnant women should be seen according to a schedule recommended by the dentist, based on each woman's needs.

Performance Standards

1304.40(c)(1)(ii)

References

American Dental Association. 2004. For the pregnant patient. Pregnant? Tips for keeping your smile healthy. Journal of the American Dental Association 135(1):127.

American Dental Association, Council on Scientific Affairs. 2001. An update on radiographic practices: Information and recommendations. Journal of the American Dental Association 132(2):234-238.

Boggess KA, Beck JD, Murtha AP, Moss K, Offenbacher S. 2006. Maternal periodontal disease in early pregnancy and risk for a small-for-gestational-age infant. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 194(5):1316-1322.

Kumar J, Samuelson, R, eds. 2006. Oral Health Care During Pregnancy and Early Childhood: Practice Guidelines. Albany, NY: New York State Department of Health.

Michalowicz BS, Hodges JS, DiAngelis AJ, Lupo VR, Novak MJ, Ferguson JE, Buchanan W, Bofill J, Papapanou PN, Mitchell DA, Matseoane S, Tschida PA; OPT Study. 2006. Treatment of periodontal disease and the risk of preterm birth. New England Journal of Medicine 355(18):1885-1894.

Offenbacher S, Boggess KA, Murtha AP, Jared HL, Lieff S, McKaig RG, Mauriello SM, Moss KL, Beck JD. 2006. Progressive periodontal disease and the risk of very preterm delivery. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 107(1):29-36.


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