CDA Journal publishes guidelines for pregnant women
The June issue of the Journal of the California Dental Association contains evidence-based perinatal oral health guidelines designed to assist health care practitioners in “understanding the importance of providing oral health services to pregnant women and their children and making appropriate decisions regarding their care.”
“Oral Health During Pregnancy and Early Childhood: Evidence-Based Guidelines for Health Professionals” were developed by an expert panel that reviewed scientific literature and research on the relationship between oral disease, treatment and pregnancy outcomes. The panel, comprising national dental, medical and public health experts, was convened by the CDA Foundation and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, District IX.
The experts were charged with identifying existing interventions, practices and policies, assessing issues of concern and developing recommendations.
In reviewing the evidence, they concluded that prevention, diagnosis and treatment, including dental X-rays and local anesthesia, are “highly beneficial and can be undertaken during pregnancy with no additional fetal or maternal risk when compared to the risk of not providing care.” They also determined that preeclampsia is not a contraindication for dental care and that controlling oral disease in pregnant women “has the potential to reduce the transmission from new mothers to their infants.”
The CDA Foundation hopes that the guidelines will open a dialogue between providers and their pregnant patients.
“Pregnancy is a teaching moment for expectant mothers who should be encouraged to include dental hygiene and treatment in their prenatal care for their own health and their baby’s well-being,” said Dr. Lindsey Robinson, who at the time of the panel was chair of the ADA Council on Access, Prevention and Interprofessional Relations and is the current chair of the board for the CDA Foundation.
For an electronic copy of the guidelines, visit www.cdafoundation.org/guidelines.