MCHB Policy Center

Research provides evidence that poor maternal oral health status contributes to the incidence of preterm birth and low birth weight …

Children’s Dental Health Project Policy Brief

….there is growing hope that severe … consequences of PLBW may be partially preventable through improved oral health during pregnancy. The problem confronting educators, policymakers, MCH officials, and child health advocates is determining whether the existing science is yet strong enough to support implementation of clinical and public policies and programs.

NIDCR Web Posting

NC Infant Mortality Program

NC Healthy Start Foundation (sequel to Governor’s Commission on Reduction of

Infant Mortality)

Expanded Medicaid Dental Benefits for Pregnant Women

Between 2000 and 2004 three states added dental benefits for pregnant women in Medicaid in response to the growing evidence of a link between oral health and quality of pregnancy outcomes

Butler Toothbrush Campaign

Endorsed by American Dental Assistant Association; American Association of Women Dentists;

National Dental Association; Oral Health America; Patterson Dental

Supply; Sullivan Schein Dental Supply

March of Dimes

Why Do Women Deliver Early?

In nearly half of all premature births, the cause is unknown. However, researchers have made some progress in learning the causes of prematurity. Studies suggest that there may be four main routes leading to premature labor.

I nfections. Studies suggest that premature labor is often triggered by the body’s natural immune response to certain bacterial infections, such as those involving the genital and urinary tracts and fetal membranes. Even infections far away from the reproductive organs, such as periodontal disease, may contribute to premature delivery.

Current Dental Textbook

“The risk of preterm delivery increases to threefold among mothers with mild periodontal disease and increases to tenfold among mothers with moderate to severe periodontal disease….Overall, these data suggest that periodontal disease may have as large an impact on the prevalence of prematurity as smoking or alcohol consumption.”

Training Nurse Midwives

ADA, March of Dimes spread the word on pregnancy, oral health and premature births

Dr. Kimberly Jones-Rudolph's presentation linking periodontal disease with premature birth resonated with her audience at a Florida March of Dimes' prematurity conference last year. By the end of the year, Dr. Jones-Rudolph had developed examination forms and trained and calibrated the nurse midwives to spot periodontal disease and direct patients for follow-up care.

“We’ve learned that with preventive care, many of the costs associated with an unhealthy birth can be reduced or eliminated – and a lot of pain and suffering avoided. In recent years, CIGNA has worked to help combat prematurity by sponsoring campaigns to educate the public about the probable links between pre-term birth and periodontal disease as well as excessive stress. We are proud to support the MOD in this effort.”

“What Can I Do?”

• Consult dentist for evaluation of your gums

• If pregnant and you are found to have gum disease, your dentist will determine appropriate treatment. You will also want to consult your obstetrician

• Check your dental benefits booklet…

American Academy of Periodontology

Preterm Low Birth Weight Births

Osteoporosis Heart Disease and Stroke Pregnancy Problems Diabetes Respiratory Diseases