Access to Oral Health Care During the Perinatal Period A Policy Brief

While it is increasingly recognized that oral health plays an important role in overall health and well-being, many women do not visit a dentist before, during, or after pregnancy, even when there are obvious signs of oral disease.1–3 Fortunately, opportunities exist to educate health professionals who work with women about the importance of oral health care during the perinatal period and to engage these health professionals in promoting women’s oral health during that period. It is safe to deliver oral health services during the perinatal period, and delaying necessary treatment could result in harm to the mother and indirectly to the fetus.4,5