Introducing Maternal Oral Health As Global Health And Public Health Agenda

Abstract Background Achieving and maintaining good oral health during pregnancy is essential for both the oral and overall health of expecting mothers and their young children. Dental caries can negatively affect daily activities including eating, speaking, and social interaction, and when expecting mothers have active dental caries, the risk for dental caries in these children becomes higher. Another common oral disease, periodontitis, was found to be associated with systemic conditions, including cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, diabetes, and potentially adverse birth outcomes. Importance Some studies also showed the systemic impact of periodontal disease and the related pathogens that can lead to systemic inflammation and adverse birth outcomes. A mother's oral health status, her oral health knowledge, and beliefs also have been shown to significantly affect diet and home oral hygiene practice among her children. Problem Despite the importance of mother's oral health and oral health