INTELIHEALTH - About 1 of every 5 women who has a baby in the United States has never been to a dentist, a survey shows.
Government researchers looked at data from the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System, or PRAMS. This was a survey of women who gave birth in 2004. They were asked questions about prenatal care and health habits.
In 10 states, PRAMS asked a series of dental questions. These states were Alaska, Arkansas, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, Nebraska, South Carolina, Utah, Vermont and Washington.
Overall, about 22 of every 100 women in these states reported that they had never been to the dentist. Arkansas had the highest number of women who had never visited a dentist. Vermont had the lowest number.
Women who had never seen a dentist were more likely to be:
- Under 21 years old
- Hispanic
- Uninsured
Also, women who did not mean to get pregnant were less likely to have visited a dentist, compared with women who were trying to get pregnant.
Researchers also asked if the women visited a dentist in the nine months after they gave birth. Most women did not. Only 30 of every 100 women had a dental visit during that time. Arkansas had the lowest number of dental visits. Michigan and Vermont had the most.
Dental care for women who are of child bearing age has gathered increased attention in recent years as some studies have shown an association between periodontal (gum disease) and adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preterm birth and low birth weight. Dentists encourage pregnant women to get treatment for periodontal disease to reduce their risk.
The survey also asked about smoking and using chew or spit tobacco. These questions were asked in 25 states and in New York City.
About 23 of every 100 women were using tobacco when they became pregnant. About 18 of every 100 said they were using it after they gave birth. Women are encouraged to quit using tobacco while they are pregnant, because of the risks to the baby.
The highest smoking rates both before and after pregnancy were in Arkansas and West Virginia. The lowest rates were in Utah and New York City.
Women who smoked or used chew tobacco were more likely to be:
- Under age 21
- White
- Uninsured or on Medica
Tobacco use increases the risk for problems like premature birth. People who use tobacco also are more likely to get cancer in the mouth or throat. They also can have more problems with their teeth and mouth, such as tooth decay and gum disease.
The study appears in the December 14 issue of the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. The report is published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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