Dental care for pregnant women throughout pregnancy is safe and important for both mom and baby.
A National Consensus Statement confirms dental care is essential before, during, and after pregnancy. But more than half of South Dakota women do not have their teeth cleaned during pregnancy.
Health care and dental care providers and expectant moms can work together for better oral and overall health outcomes for both mom and baby. Read the consensus statement and the related guidance from Delta Dental of South Dakota, and find related information and resources below.
This report explains the importance of oral health during pregnancy and offers best practices for care to help health professionals improve oral health services to women during pregnancy.
This guide includes the latest facts about prenatal dental care, common oral conditions during pregnancy, guidance for both prenatal health care and dental providers, and dental hygiene tips for expectant moms and newborns.
For expectant moms
1-page handout with tips for good oral health during pregnancy (English)
1-page handout with tips for good oral health during pregnancy (Español)
For newborns
1-page handout with tips for keeping your child cavity-free (English)
1-page handout with tips for keeping your child cavity-free (Español)
The American Academy of Pediatrics offers a toolkit for providers that includes free downloadable posters and brochures about the importance and safety of prenatal oral health care. The resources are available in eight languages.
This national curriculum was created to educate primary health care providers about oral health. The course is endorsed by the American Dental Association, the American Dental Hygiene Association, and the American Academy of Family Physicians.
This DDSD initiative promotes early childhood oral health care, and includes a directory of dental providers in South Dakota who welcome young children in their practices.
The National Maternal and Child Oral Health Resource Center at Georgetown University provides technical assistance, training, and resources to improve oral health services for pregnant women, infants, and children.
The SD Dept. of Health program offers free services to help quit cigarettes, vape, or chew. In addition to the five regular coaching calls, pregnant women who enroll in the QuitLine Postpartum Program can receive up to four relapse prevention coaching calls and gift card incentives