Overcoming early childhood caries disease burden through the words of mothers (WOM project)

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PROJECT ABSTRACT Although oral health is an integral part of overall health for pregnant women, studies show that only 23-59% of women went to the dentist while pregnant. In North Carolina, the Medicaid for Pregnant Women (MPW) program provides dental services to women during pregnancy. However, dental utilization by low-income pregnant women in North Carolina ranged from 1–26%. Pregnant women should have regular dental visits to avoid gingivitis and periodontitis, which are associated with increased risk of pre-eclampsia, preterm birth, and low birth weight infants. Dental visits during pregnancy are important for the treatment of current issues and for receiving education on their oral health and their child's oral health. We believe that identifying and addressing the oral health barriers experienced by this population, as well as creating a welcoming, culturally sensitive environment, will positively influence pregnant women's own oral health and their children's. To achieve this goal, we will use a community-based participatory research approach called photovoice. First, we will determine barriers to maintaining good oral health behaviors and accessing dental care among low-income pregnant women and mothers of infants. Second, we will determine the perspectives of women's health care providers/midwives/obstetricians on barriers faced by pregnant women on maintaining good oral health and identify sustainable interventions that could support them on this behavior. We will partner with the community to develop options that support family participation in preventive oral healthcare and develop practical solutions to remove barriers and enable family-level behavior changes that are sustainable. Our ultimate goal is to have data that will inform the development of a community-engaged oral health program targeting pregnant women that will aim to improve their oral health and that of their children during early childhood.