Dental care is crucial for both maternal and child health, yet it is often overshadowed by numerous other health priorities during pregnancy. The absence of pain is not the absence of dental disease, and the consequences of neglecting oral health can be severe. For perinatal mothers, poor oral health has been linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes, and in children, to poor developmental trajectories.1

The poignant case of Jessica, a 28-year-old first-time mother and a patient at our clinic, tragically underscores the dire consequences of overlooking dental health. Due to misconceptions about the safety of dental treatments during pregnancy, such as concerns around bacteria translocation and increased risk of infection, Jessica avoided dental care during the first trimester of her pregnancy. Only when faced with debilitating pain and swelling did she seek help. Unfortunately, her delayed action led to an advanced infection that escalated to septic shock, multiple organ failure, and ultimately spread to her brain. Despite being placed in an induced coma to sustain her pregnancy, Jessica passed away after her child was delivered via C-section. Jessica never got the chance to meet or hold her baby, leaving behind a child to grow up without a mother.

This tragedy could have been prevented with earlier dental intervention. Jessica’s story highlights the urgent need for mandatory referrals from OB/GYN to dental services at the first prenatal visit.

In light of Jessica’s story and similar other tragedies, I am advocating for the immediate implementation of mandatory dental referrals and establishing dental clearance as a standard of care for pregnant women within state-funded and private healthcare systems alike. This proactive measure is essential not only for preventing severe health complications but also for enhancing the quality of prenatal care we provide, thereby upholding our commitment to comprehensive healthcare. Oral health is an integral part of overall health, especially during pregnancy.

As a UCSF Champion Provider Fellow, I am working diligently to bridge the gap between dental and prenatal care. My initiatives include policy advocacy, educational outreach to healthcare providers, and collaborative efforts with local health authorities to integrate dental screenings into routine prenatal visits. These efforts aim to raise awareness about the critical importance of dental health during pregnancy and to establish systematic changes that ensure every expectant mother receives the dental care she needs. At our dental clinic, we have observed that less than 30% of pregnant women receive any form of dental care during pregnancy, highlighting a significant gap in perinatal health services. By addressing this gap, we can significantly improve health outcomes for both mothers and their babies.

Let's unite in making these essential changes to protect the health of mothers and their babies. Healthcare providers can play a vital role by ensuring their health systems offer accessible dental care to pregnant women. Exploring federal initiatives like the Maternal and Child Health Bureau’s programs can provide valuable guidance. I invite you to join me in this important initiative—your support and engagement are crucial for making a lasting impact. Together, we can ensure that no other family suffers as Jessica’s has.

1. American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Oral healthcare for the pregnant pediatric dental patient. The Reference Manual of Pediatric Dentistry. Chicago, Ill.: American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry; 2023:327-36

Dr. Maxmillian Chambers is a Clinical Staff Dentist at Innercare, a Federally Qualified Health Center. Dr. Chambers is dedicated to promoting oral health and educating communities about the impact that neglecting dental care can have on overall health. He integrates oral health with public health initiatives to improve nutrition and health outcomes in underserved communities.