Oral Health Care for the Pregnant Pediatric Dental Patient

Abstract

This best practice provides recommendations regarding preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic oral health care for pregnant youth. Recommendations emphasize the benefits of a noncariogenic diet and nutritious foods essential to proper fetal development. The safety of prescription and over-the-counter medications is reviewed, and oral health care practitioners are advised to maintain awareness of benefits, risks, and side effects of pharmacotherapeutic agents for pregnant patients. Likewise, practitioners should counsel patients regarding the negative consequences of exposure to smoke, tobacco, and illicit substances during pregnancy. Common oral conditions associated with pregnancy, such as dental erosion, dental caries, xerostomia, gingivitis, and pyogenic granulomas, are reviewed. Components of dental care that require special considerations for the pregnant patient include history intake, assessment of risk for caries and periodontal diseases, screening for hypertension, and timing of preventive, restorative, and emergency care. Radiation safety, with emphasis on the ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable) principle, is addressed. The document highlights patient education and anticipatory guidance to improve oral health during and after pregnancy. Establishing a dental home during pregnancy is critical to comprehensive care for both mother and child. Lastly, oral health care professionals are encouraged to review state laws and regulations pertaining to the consent of pregnant minors and minor confidentiality.

This document was developed through a collaborative effort of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Councils on Clinical Affairs and Scientific Affairs to offer updated information and recommendations regarding oral health care for the pregnant pediatric dental patient.

^{KEYWORDS:  INFORMED CONSENT; ORAL HYGIENE INSTRUCTION; PREGNANCY; PRENATAL CARE; TOBACCO COUNSELING}