Dental care use and self-reported dental problems in relation to pregnancy.
OBJECTIVE
We examined the relationships between risk factors amenable to intervention and the likelihood of dental care use during pregnancy.


METHODS
We used data from the Washington State Department of Health's Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System.


RESULTS
Of the women surveyed, 58% reported no dental care during their pregnancy. Among women with no dental problems, those not receiving dental care were at markedly increased risk of having received no counseling on oral health care, being overweight, and using tobacco. Among women who received dental care, those with dental problems were more likely to have lower incomes and Medicaid coverage than those without dental problems.


CONCLUSIONS
There is a need for enhanced education and training of maternity care providers concerning oral health in pregnancy.
Lydon-Rochelle
Mona T
MT
Department of Family and Child Nursing, School of Nursing, University of Washington, Mailstop 357262, Seattle, WA 98195-7262, USA. minot@u.washington.edu
Krakowiak
Paula
P
Hujoel
Philippe P
PP
Peters
Riley M
RM
D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003752:Dental Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D007182:Income; D016015:Logistic Models; D008484:Medicaid / Q000191:economics; D011159:Population Surveillance; D011247:Pregnancy; D011295:Prenatal Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012307:Risk Factors; D014861:Washington