Dental Hygiene Potential Solution for Maternal Health Crisis

Alarming Disparities in Maternal Mortality Rates in Different US Ethnic Communities

USA: According to a recent federal report, maternal mortality and other adverse pregnancy outcomes significantly worsened in 2020 and 2021 compared to the previous two years. Notably, the maternal mortality rate among Black or African American women was approximately 2.5 times higher than that of white women during these years. As Katrina Eagilen, Guest columnist at theleafchronicle.com, states, “We’ve seen some progress, as government interest and action has intensified in the past several years. We need these big leaps and policy changes, but we can also utilize other beneficial approaches.”

The Link between Oral Health and Pregnancy Outcomes

Eagilen emphasizes the importance of optimal oral health during pregnancy, stating, “Part of a healthy pregnancy includes maintaining optimal oral health to protect against oral bacteria associated with pre-eclampsia/toxemia, eclampsia, premature birth, low birthweight babies and other adverse outcomes.” However, a staggering 60-75% of pregnant women experience oral health issues, potentially putting them at greater risk for these dangerous outcomes.

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The article highlights disparities in access to dental care during pregnancy, with Black women being 14% less likely to get their teeth cleaned during pregnancy than white women, despite no difference in dental visits prior to pregnancy. Eagilen notes, “Unfortunately, fewer than half of pregnant women nationally have their teeth cleaned during pregnancy.”

Lack of Awareness and Coordination

Eagilen points out that many patients and dentists are unaware of the current standard of care, which recommends safe and effective prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of oral diseases throughout pregnancy to decrease adverse birth outcomes and maternal morbidity. She cites a study indicating that while 80% of obstetrician-gynecologists (OB/GYNs) and certified nurse midwives acknowledge oral health’s importance in prenatal care, only 35% discuss it with their pregnant patients, and 42% recommend their patients see a dentist.

Call to Action

In her call to action, Eagilen states, “Addressing our country’s Black maternal health crisis requires more than one set of solutions. We can begin working toward equity now focusing on oral health care as one way to improve birth outcomes in the Black community.” She emphasizes the need for improved training and knowledge for physicians and dentists in caring for pregnant patients.

The article highlights the potential role of dental hygiene in addressing the alarming disparities in maternal mortality rates and adverse pregnancy outcomes, particularly among Black women. It underscores the need for increased awareness, coordination, and access to dental care during pregnancy, as well as better training for healthcare providers.