Maternal Characteristics Associate With Dental Cleaning In The Perinatal Period — Massachusetts PRAMS, 2007–2009

Background: Poor oral health is prevalent among women in the perinatal period. Significant racial and ethnic disparities exist in the perinatal period, however, little is known about other risk factors associated with lower rates of dental cleaning among new mothers. Study Question: What maternal characteristics and health behaviors are associated with dental cleaning before and during pregnancy in Massachusetts? Methods: We analyzed 2007–2009 data from Massachusetts PRAMS population-based survey of women who delivered a live-born infant with a weighted response rate of 70%. We examined maternal characteristics of 4,385 women associated with dental cleaning 12 months before and during pregnancy using chi-square and multivariate analyses. Results: The prevalence of dental cleaning was 65% before pregnancy and 44% during pregnancy. Race, age, education, insurance status, and specific health indicators were significantly associated with rates of dental cleaning. Women who reported good health were 24% (95% CI=0.76;0.98) less likely to have their teeth cleaned before pregnancy. Women with more than 6 life stressors were 29% (95% CI=0.51;0.97) less likely to get their teeth cleaned during pregnancy. Women taking prenatal vitamins every day were 15% (95% CI= 1.04;1.27) more likely to get their teeth cleaned before pregnancy. Conclusion: Our study identified specific, previously undetermined maternal characteristics associated with rates of oral care in pregnancy that could be targeted for intervention. Public Health Implications: These data provide the opportunity to develop a stronger, integrated approach between public health, medical, and dental professionals to improve the rates of dental cleaning in vulnerable reproductive-aged populations.