Background: Current evidence highlights the importance of oral health during pregnancy. However, little is known about the oral health of pregnant women in Australia. The aim of this study was to report the oral health status, knowledge and practices of pregnant women in south-western Sydney. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 241 pregnant women attending a large hospital in south-western Sydney. Results: More than half (59.3%) reported dental problems during pregnancy, less than a third (30.5%) saw a dentist in the last six months, only 10% had received any information about perinatal oral health and many (>50%) were unaware of the potential impact of poor maternal oral health on pregnancy and infant outcomes. Analysis revealed a significant difference (<0.05) in the uptake of dental services among pregnant women who had higher household incomes, private health insurance, received information about perinatal oral health and knowledge about maternal oral health. Conclusions: The participants reported significant barriers to obtaining dental care including limited access to affordable dental services and lack of awareness about the importance of maternal oral health. The findings suggest the need for preventive strategies involving dentists and antenatal providers to improve maternal oral health in Australia.

Midwives have an excellent opportunity to offer preventive oral health services by providing oral health assessments, education and referrals for pregnant women attending antenatal clinics.

Among the edentulous, chronic infections like denture-related mucosal lesions are important determinants of elevated CRP, comparable to periodontal disease in the dentate. Elevated CRP per se and edentulism were not significantly associated with increased mortality. Periodontal disease was, however, still associated with a two-fold CVD mortality in this very old population.

The Midwifery-Initiated Oral Health Dental Service program (Intervention group 2) improved the uptake of dental services and oral health of pregnant women and is recommended during antenatal care. A cause and effect relationship between this intervention and improved birth outcomes was not supported.

Background Poor maternal oral health may be associated with adverse pregnancy and infant outcomes. However, women seldom seek dental care during pregnancy, and misconceptions by prenatal care practitioners about oral health care during pregnancy may contribute to the problem. The aim of this study was to review current knowledge, attitudes, and behavior of dental and prenatal care practitioners about oral health care during pregnancy. Methods This review examined all studies published in English that explored the knowledge, attitude, behavior, and barriers faced by dentists, general practitioners, midwives, and obstetricians/gynecologists with respect to oral health care during pregnancy. Results Despite acknowledging the importance of maternal oral health, many dentists are uncertain about the safety of dental procedures and are hesitant in treating pregnant women. General practitioners and midwives are poorly informed about the impact of poor maternal oral health and rarely initiate this topic during prenatal care. Many general practitioners also believe that dental procedures are unsafe during pregnancy. Obstetricians/gynecologists are well informed about perinatal oral health and are supportive of dental procedures, but because of lack of training in this area and competing health demands they seldom focus on oral health care during their prenatal care. Conclusion No real consensus exists among dentists and prenatal care practitioners with respect to oral health care during pregnancy. This issue poses a significant deterrent for pregnant women seeking dental care. Practice guidelines in perinatal oral health are needed for health professionals to emphasize this important aspect of prenatal care. (BIRTH 39:3 September 2012)

BackgroundThere is mounting evidence to support the lack of awareness among pregnant women about health consequences and long term risks associated with poor oral hygiene during pregnancy. A recognised and important point of influence is their interaction with health professionals, particularly when receiving Antenatal Care. However, there is limited evidence about the perceptions of ANC providers in Australia toward the provision of perinatal oral healthcare. This study was undertaken to explore the knowledge, attitudes and practices of Antenatal Care (ANC) providers in New South Wales (NSW), Australia providing perinatal oral healthcare and to identify barriers to and predictors of their practices in this area.MethodsA cross sectional survey was undertaken of ANC providers (general practitioners, obstetricians/gynaecologists and midwives) practising in NSW, Australia. Participants were recruited through their professional organisations via email, postal mail, and networking at conferences. The survey addressed the domains of knowledge, attitude, barriers and practices towards oral healthcare, along with demographics. Data was entered into SPSS software and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics.ResultsA total of 393 surveys (17.6% response rate) were completed comprising 124 general practitioners, 74 obstetricians/gynaecologists and 195 midwives. The results showed limited knowledge among ANC providers regarding the impact of poor maternal oral health on pregnancy/infant outcomes. Most (99%) participants agreed that maternal oral health was important yet few were discussing the importance of oral health or advising women to visit a dentist (16.4–21.5%). Further, less than a third felt they had the skills to provide oral health advice during pregnancy. ANC providers who were more knowledgeable about maternal oral health, had training and information in this area and greater experience, were more likely to engage in practices addressing the oral health of pregnant women.ConclusionThe findings suggest that ANC providers in NSW are not focussing on oral health with pregnant women. ANC providers seem willing to discuss oral health if they have appropriate education/training and information in this area. Further research at a national level is required to confirm whether these findings are similar in all Australian states.

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Antenatal care providers in Australia should provide more information about oral health. These health professionals should be adequately educated to promote oral health. Health services should also consider offering pregnant women affordable and accessible dental services.