Oral Health During Pregnancy

Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors
3858 Cashill Boulevard
Reno, NV 89509

Telephone: (775) 626-5008
Fax: (775) 626-9268
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: https://www.astdd.org
Available from the website.

This paper provides information about oral health for women during the perinatal period. The paper provides background and discusses methods. It includes a strategic framework for improving perinatal oral health with guidance and examples in the following categories: monitor perinatal oral health status; educate and engage women of reproductive age, prenatal care health professionals, and community providers; promote partnerships; develop policies and plans; promote quality care; ensure a competent and adequate oral health workforce; and support, conduct, and promote research.

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National Maternal and Child Oral Health Resource Center
Georgetown University Washington, DC 20057

E-mail: [email protected]
Website: https://www.mchoralhealth.org
Available at no charge; also available from the website.

This resource guide includes information for health professionals to help them provide pregnant women with appropriate and timely oral health care. The guide describes materials, such as brochures and handouts, curricula, guidelines, reports, and tools. It also lists federal agencies, national professional associations, and resource centers that may serve as resources. [Funded by the Maternal and Child Health Bureau]

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• First Edition

National Maternal and Child Oral Health Resource Center
Georgetown University Washington, DC 20057

E-mail: [email protected]
Website: https://www.mchoralhealth.org
Available from the website.

This brief presents findings from a review of 15 sources that include oral health risk assessment questions to ask pregnant women. The questions are organized according to the following seven themes: dental concerns/pain, diet/nutrition, pregnancy symptoms, health behaviors, fluoride, last dental visit/dental home, and concerns about getting oral health care. [Funded by the Maternal and Child Health Bureau]

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National Maternal and Child Oral Health Resource Center
Georgetown University Washington, DC 20057

E-mail: [email protected]
Website: https://www.mchoralhealth.org
Available from the website.

This guide offers health professionals an overview of preventive oral health supervision during five developmental periods: prenatal, infancy, early childhood, middle childhood, and adolescence. It is designed to help health professionals implement specific oral health guidelines during these periods. For each period, information about family preparation, risk assessment, interview questions, screening, examination, preventive procedures, anticipatory guidance, measurable outcomes, and referrals is discussed. [Funded by the Maternal and Child Health Bureau]

• View Guide Online Or Download Complete Guide In .pdf

National Maternal and Child Oral Health Resource Center
Georgetown University Washington, DC 20057

E-mail: [email protected]
Website: https://www.mchoralhealth.org
Available from the website.

This report offers a snapshot of states’ experiences with implementing strategies to address NPM 13. It presents challenges, lessons learned, and accomplishments in promoting preventive dental visits for pregnant women and children and adolescents, ages 1 through 17. The report introduces the topic and provides background; presents information about the Title V Maternal and Child Health Services Block Grant Program; and discusses methods, limitations, results, and next steps for states.

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National Maternal and Child Oral Health Resource Center
Georgetown University Washington, DC 20057

E-mail: [email protected]
Website: https://www.mchoralhealth.org
Available from the website.

This snapshot highlights activities conducted by American Samoa, Guam, the Marshall Islands, Palau, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The report presents a snapshot of jurisdictions’ experiences with implementing strategies to promote preventive dental visits for pregnant women, children, and adolescents. Challenges, accomplishments, and technical assistance needs related to each jurisdiction are discussed. [Funded by the Maternal and Child Health Bureau]

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National Maternal and Child Oral Health Resource Center
Georgetown University Washington, DC 20057

E-mail: [email protected]
Website: https://www.mchoralhealth.org
Available from the website.

This paper provides information about two oral health quality measures for pregnant women that the Dental Quality Alliance has developed. The paper explains why oral health care during pregnancy and the development of related oral-healthcare-quality measures are important, as well as how health-care-quality measures are reported. It also discusses identifying pregnant women in claims data for denominator inclusion, determining enrollment requirements for denominator inclusion, determining time frame for receipt of recommended services for numerator inclusion, and the impact of benefits coverage on identification services for numerator inclusion. [Funded by the Maternal and Child Health Bureau]

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National Maternal and Child Oral Health Resource Center
Georgetown University Washington, DC 20057

E-mail: [email protected]
Website: https://www.mchoralhealth.org
Available at no charge; also available from the website.

This brochure is designed to educate women about the importance of oral hygiene and oral health care during pregnancy. Topics include brushing, flossing, eating healthy foods, and getting dental check-ups and treatment. Additional topics include the impact of hormonal changes during pregnancy on gum health, caring for an infant’s gums and teeth, and finding a dentist. The brochure is available in English and Spanish. [Funded by the Maternal and Child Health Bureau]

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National Maternal and Child Oral Health Resource Center
Georgetown University Washington, DC 20057

E-mail: [email protected]
Website: https://www.mchoralhealth.org
Available from the website.

This practice guide provides information to help state Title V maternal and child health programs in their implementation of the national performance measure on oral health (NPM 13). It provides sample strategies for addressing NPM 13.1 (preventive dental visits for pregnant women) and 13.2 (preventive dental visits for children and adolescents, ages 1–17). It also provides sample evidence-based or evidence-informed strategy measures (ESMs), possible data sources for ESMs, and a list of resources. Programs can also use this information to assist in the implementation of oral-health-related state performance measures. [Funded by the Maternal and Child Health Bureau]

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National Maternal and Child Oral Health Resource Center
Georgetown University Washington, DC 20057

E-mail: [email protected]
Website: https://www.mchoralhealth.org
Available from the website.

This report describes the achievements of 16 projects funded though the PIOHQI initiative to improve oral health for pregnant women and infants, lessons the projects learned, and resources they produced. It provides examples of project achievements and successes in seven strategy areas: network development; workforce enhancement; community outreach; process and procedure development; program development; state practice guidance development; and data collection, evaluation, and reporting. [Funded by the Maternal and Child Health Bureau]

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National Center on Health, Behavioral Health, and Safety
Telephone: (888) 227-5125
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/about-us/article/national-center-health-behavioral-health-safety-nchbhs
Available from the website.

These forms are designed for oral health professionals to record key information from dental visits with children and pregnant women enrolled in Head Start. The forms include space to record dental home status, oral health status, and what oral health care services were delivered during the dental visit (e.g., diagnostic and preventive services, counseling, restorative and emergency care, referral to a specialist for care). The forms also serve as records of what oral health care services are needed and of information to share with others. There are separate forms for children, pregnant women, and both, plus a sample provider letter. The forms are available in English and in Spanish.

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National Center on Early Childhood Health and Wellness
American Academy of Pediatrics 345 Park Boulevard
Itasca, IL 60143

Telephone: (888) 227-5125
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/ncechw
Available from the website.

This form is designed as a tool for pregnant women to provide information to help dental office staff understand and meet their needs. The form includes information about prenatal care received, what the woman does to take care of her mouth and teeth, and what questions she has about taking care of her mouth and teeth. It also includes information about problems experienced during pregnancy and whether the woman smokes, vapes, or drinks alcohol. [Funded in part by the Maternal and Child Health Bureau]

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National Center on Health, Behavioral Health, and Safety
Telephone: (888) 227-5125
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/about-us/article/national-center-health-behavioral-health-safety-nchbhs
Available from the website.

This series of tip sheets is intended for Head Start staff to use to support the oral health of children and pregnant people enrolled in Head Start programs and their families. The tip sheets include up-to-date practices and practical tips to promote good oral health. Health and social service professionals interested in improving the oral health of children and pregnant people enrolled in Head Start and their families may also find Brush Up on Oral Health tip sheets helpful.

• English
• Spanish

National Center on Health, Behavioral Health, and Safety
Telephone: (888) 227-5125
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/about-us/article/national-center-health-behavioral-health-safety-nchbhs
Available from the website.

This series of handouts for pregnant women and parents of infants and young children provides simple tips on nutrition and oral health issues. Topics include brushing a young child’s teeth, choosing healthy drinks, encouraging children to drink water with fluoride, giving children healthy snacks, taking care of oral health for pregnant women, and taking care of an infant’s oral health. The series is written in simple language and is available in English and in Spanish.

• English
• Spanish

National Maternal and Child Oral Health Resource Center
Georgetown University Washington, DC 20057

E-mail: [email protected]
Website: https://www.mchoralhealth.org
Available from the website.

This series provides an overview of activities to promote oral health during pregnancy. The series discusses efforts of federal agencies and national, state, and local organizations to launch programs, advance policy, and disseminate Oral Health During Pregnancy: A National Consensus Statement to ensure that both health professionals and pregnant women are aware of the importance and safety of receiving oral health care during pregnancy. A list of resources focused on promoting oral health during pregnancy and infancy is included. [Funded by the Maternal and Child Health Bureau]

• Consensus Statement And List Of Updates

National Maternal and Child Oral Health Resource Center
Georgetown University Washington, DC 20057

E-mail: [email protected]
Website: https://www.mchoralhealth.org
Available from the website.

This infographic provides information for oral health professionals about benefits of and barriers to preventive dental visits for pregnant women. It discusses the safety of visiting the dentist during pregnancy, Medicaid dental coverage available during pregnancy, physiological changes that occur during pregnancy that may affect oral health, and how receiving oral health services can improve overall health and reduce the likelihood of transmission of cavity-causing bacteria from mothers to young children. [Funded by the Maternal and Child Health Bureau]

• English
• Spanish

National Maternal and Child Oral Health Resource Center
Georgetown University Washington, DC 20057

E-mail: [email protected]
Website: https://www.mchoralhealth.org
Available from the website.

This report includes a consensus statement that resulted from an expert workgroup meeting held on October 18, 2011, in Washington, DC, convened by the Health Resources and Services Administration in collaboration with the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Dental Association. It contains guidance on oral health care for pregnant women for both prenatal care health professionals and oral health professionals, pharmacological considerations for pregnant women, and guidance for health professionals to share with pregnant women. [Funded by the Maternal and Child Health Bureau]

• Link
• Full Report With Meeting Information

National Maternal and Child Oral Health Resource Center
Georgetown University Washington, DC 20057

E-mail: [email protected]
Website: https://www.mchoralhealth.org
Available from the website.

This tip sheet provides information and resources to help women take care of their oral health during pregnancy. Topics include getting care, practicing good oral hygiene, eating healthy foods, and practicing other healthy behaviors. Additional topics include taking care of their infant’s gums and teeth and asking their pediatric health professional to check their infant’s mouth starting at age 6 months. The tip sheet is written in simple language and is available in Arabic, Chinese, Chuukese, English, German, Haitian Creole, Korean, Moldovan Romanian, Portuguese, Russian, Samoan, Spanish, and Vietnamese. [Funded by the Maternal and Child Health Bureau]

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These proceedings provide the information presented at the Applied Social Work Research in Maternal and Child Health conference for professionals in social services. The conference was divided into three major content areas: enhancing social work practice, improving service delivery, and improving social work research. The first section examined the ways in which applied social work research contributes to building the knowledge and theory foundations of practice in maternal and child health. The second addressed questions of quality assurance, and the third described areas beyond technical expertise such as planning, organizing, implementing, and interpreting social work research. A final section discusses research goals and priorities in maternal and child health. [Funded by the Maternal and Child Health Bureau]

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American Academy of Pediatrics, Section on Oral Health
345 Park Boulevard
Itasca, IL 60143

Telephone: (847) 434-4000
Secondary Telephone: (800) 433-9016
Fax: (847) 434-8000
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: https://www.aap.org/en-us/advocacy-and-policy/aap-health-initiatives/Oral-Health/Pages/Oral-Health.aspx
Available from the website.

This report provides an overview of the Protect Tiny Teeth Implementation Project, which was designed to improve the oral health of the maternal and child population, and project results. Topics included background, focus group testing and communications messaging, environmental scan, project description, project aim, results, and Protect Tiny Teeth Toolkit overview and testing.

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American Academy of Pediatrics, Section on Oral Health
345 Park Boulevard
Itasca, IL 60143

Telephone: (847) 434-4000
Secondary Telephone: (800) 433-9016
Fax: (847) 434-8000
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: https://www.aap.org/en-us/advocacy-and-policy/aap-health-initiatives/Oral-Health/Pages/Oral-Health.aspx
Available from the website.

This guide, which is intended for prenatal and pediatric health professionals who provide care to pregnant women and children, discusses lessons learned from quality-improvement projects conducted to integrate oral health care in prenatal and pediatric settings. It offers steps to take in integrating oral health care in these settings. Steps are divided into the following categories: planning; setting goals; educating and training staff; launching an integration project and tracking progress; adapting resources to fit the setting; reviewing, celebrating, and discussing progress; and maintaining and sustaining progress. Advice from existing projects that have integrated oral health care is included.

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CareQuest Institute for Oral Health
465 Medford Street
Boston, MA 02129-1454

Telephone: (617) 886-1700
Website: https://www.carequest.org
Available from the website.

This report provides information on the role of Medicaid adult dental benefits during pregnancy and postpartum. It discusses the importance of oral health during these periods, the safety and use of oral health care during pregnancy, and dental coverage for pregnant and postpartum women. A snapshot of dental benefits during pregnancy and postpartum in Virginia, which added an extensive benefit for adults enrolled in Medicaid during pregnancy and 60 days postpartum, is discussed. Information on Maryland and Tennessee, which have extended the Medicaid coverage period to 12 months postpartum, is also included.

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American Dental Association
211 East Chicago Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611-2678

Telephone: (312) 440-2500
Fax: (312) 440-7494
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: http://www.ada.org
Available from the website. Document Number: DQA Measure UTL-P-A.

This brief provides information about the quality measure “utilization of dental services during pregnancy” developed by the Dental Quality Alliance. It includes a rationale for the measure and a description of the numerator, the denominator, and rates. The brief also includes instructions for how to calculate the measure.

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New York University, Rory Meyers College of Nursing
433 First Avenue
New York, NY 10010

Telephone: (212) 998-5300
Website: https://nursing.nyu.edu/
Available from the website.

This guide is a model used by New York University (NYU) College of Dentistry and NYU College of Nursing for the NYU Prenatal Oral Health Interprofessional Experience. For this program, NYU dental students and nurse midwifery or family nurse practitioner students collaborate to develop a management plan to meet the oral health needs of pregnant women in the Bellevue Pediatric Dental Clinic through oral health screening, education, and referral. The guide includes information about interprofessional collaborative practice competencies, a student assignment example, education resources, and suggestions to facilitate student discussion.

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Texas Department of State Health Services
1100 West 49th Street
Austin, TX 78756

Telephone: (512) 458-7111
Secondary Telephone: (512) 458-7708
Fax: (512) 458-7750
Website: http://www.dshs.state.tx.us
Available from the website. Document Number: OHIP-112.

This fact sheet for consumers provides information about oral health among pregnant women in Texas. Data presented is from the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS). The fact sheet explains why taking care of teeth and gums during pregnancy is safe and important. It also provides the percentage of pregnant women in the state who did not visit a dentist during pregnancy because the did not think it was safe to do so; the percentage who had a dental cleaning during pregnancy; and the likelihood of receiving a dental cleaning for white, black and Hispanic pregnant women. The fact sheet is written in simple language.

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