The Role of Oral Health in Advancing Maternal Health

As April marks National Minority Health Month – a time in which we also recognize Black Maternal Health Week – it’s important for the oral health community to acknowledge the role that oral health plays in maternal health and reducing health disparities.
 

That’s why this month, Delta Dental of Massachusetts was proud to support the Massachusetts March of Dimes and work together to spread awareness of oral health’s role during pregnancy. Our own Dr. Linda Vidone, VP of Clinical Management, recorded a personal video message for expectant mothers 

The fact is, maternal mortality rates in the U.S. are the highest in the developed world — and although Massachusetts claims among the lowest mortality rates by state, the rates here are actually increasing. The most recent data from Massachusetts Department of Public Health shows that pregnancy-associated mortality increased 33% in Massachusetts from 30.4 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2012 to 40.4 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2014.

The situation is even more dire for Black women, who are  three to four times more likely  to die from pregnancy-related complications and  twice as likely  to lose an infant to premature death. Oral health care can actively mitigate this rising mortality rate. Consider:

• 4 in 10 of all pregnant women have tooth decay or gum disease from changing hormones, and those that do are at higher risk for poor birth outcomes such as low birth weight, preterm delivery and risk of preeclampsia.
• Poor oral health raises a pregnant woman’s risk of high blood pressure.
• Children are three times more likely to have dental disease if their mother was not able to receive dental care during pregnancy.

• Watching for gum redness, swelling or bleeding, as pregnancy hormones can cause symptoms of gum disease 
• Making sure to maintain preventive dental checkups during pregnancy
• Maintaining good oral health hygiene at home by brushing and flossing regularly, especially if the pregnancy is causing sugary food cravings or morning sickness.