Preventive Oral Health Care Supported During Pregnancy

Chicago–April 29, 2004–The American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) recommends that women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant continue seeing a dental hygienist for regular oral health cleanings.

ADHA’s recommendation is in response to an article published this week in the Journal of the American Medical Association detailing an association between dental X-rays and an increased risk for low birth weight in full-term infants.

“Maintaining good oral health throughout life, but in particular with pregnant women, is essential due to the relationship between periodontal disease and preterm, low-birth-weight babies,” said Tammi O. Byrd, president, ADHA. “The best action to take is to focus on prevention both in the dental office with your dental hygienist and with an appropriate home care routine outlined by your dental hygienist. ADHA recommends that pregnant women inform their dental hygienist and dentist at the start of their oral health appointment that they are pregnant. Additionally, pregnant or potentially pregnant women should discuss their need for any X-ray with their dental hygienist, dentist and medical doctor.”

Recent studies have shown that women with periodontal disease are at three to five times greater risk of a preterm birth than those who are periodontally healthy. While most pregnant women know that smoking and drinking alcohol can be harmful to their babies, they may not know that taking care of their oral health is very important as well. Periodontal disease can be prevented and treated.

Chicago-based ADHA is the largest national organization representing the professional interests of the more than 120,000 dental hygienists across the country. Dental hygienists are preventive oral health professionals, licensed in dental hygiene, who provide educational, clinical and therapeutic services that support total health through the promotion of optimal oral health.

For more information about ADHA, dental hygiene or the link between oral health and general health, visit ADHA at http://www.adha.org or call 800-243-ADHA.

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