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

 

CareQuest Institute for Oral Health, a leading national nonprofit focused on creating a more accessible, equitable, and integrated oral health system, has released a new report providing crucial insights into the links between pregnancy-related changes and 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 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 individuals seek dental care.

The report also highlights a 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 associated with 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. It highlights the need for obstetrician-gynecologists (OB/GYNs) to refer patients for both oral and behavioral health care. Alarmingly, only 4% of individuals reported receiving a dental referral during pregnancy, underscoring the need for greater collaboration between health care providers.

For more information and to read the full report, click here.

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. This mission is pursued through work in philanthropy, analytics and data insights, health transformation, policy and advocacy, and education, as well as leadership in dental benefits and innovation advancements. CareQuest collaborates 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