New Report: Integrating Oral and Mental Health During and After Pregnancy Is Critical to Improving Health Outcomes

Only 4% of Pregnant Individuals Are Referred to a Dentist by Their OB/GYN

BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--CareQuest Institute for Oral Health®, a leading national nonprofit focused on creating a more accessible, equitable, and integrated oral health system, released a new report that provides crucial insights into how pregnancy-related changes can be linked to oral and mental health. The data-driven report emphasizes the critical need for integrated health care approaches that connect medical, dental, and behavioral health services.

The report, Oral and Mental Health During and After Pregnancy: The Importance of Medical-Dental-Behavioral Integration, reveals that pregnant individuals are at a greater risk for oral health conditions like periodontal disease, which is linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes such as low birth weight and preterm birth. Despite the clear connection between oral health and pregnancy, only about two-thirds of pregnant persons seek dental care.

The report also emphasizes the significant increase in mental health conditions during pregnancy, with diagnoses of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders rising by 93% from 2008 to 2020.

“Pregnancy is a crucial time for a birthing parent’s health, and it’s time that we view oral health, overall health, and mental health as intertwined,” said Leslie Carver, chief operating officer at CareQuest Institute. “By bridging these gaps and advocating for health systems that better integrate care, we can better address whole-person health and improve health outcomes for families.”

Key Findings:

• Pregnant individuals face increased risks for dental caries and periodontal disease, which are linked to negative pregnancy outcomes.
• Mental health conditions such as anxiety disorders and mood disorders (including depression) are linked to poorer oral health outcomes.
• Implementing a comprehensive, integrated medical-dental-behavioral care model is essential to improving outcomes for both the birthing parent and newborn.

The report calls for the integration of medical, dental, and behavioral health services to better serve pregnant and postpartum individuals, highlighting the need for obstetrician-gynecologists (OB/GYNs) to refer patients for both oral and behavioral health care. Only 4% of individuals reported receiving a dental referral during pregnancy, underscoring the greater need for collaboration between health care providers.

For more information and to read the full report, visit this link.

About CareQuest Institute for Oral Health
CareQuest Institute for Oral Health is a national nonprofit championing a more equitable future where every person can reach their full potential through excellent health. We do this through our work in philanthropy, analytics and data insights, health transformation, policy and advocacy, and education as well as our leadership in dental benefits and innovation advancements. We collaborate with thought leaders, health care providers, patients, and local, state, and federal stakeholders, to accelerate oral health care transformation and create a system designed for everyone. To learn more, visit carequest.org and follow us on Twitter/X, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.