Prenatal dental care

evidence, challenges, and implications for prenatal care

Abstract

The gestational period involves hormonal and physiological changes that may increase the risk of oral health problems. Dental prenatal care enables the prevention, early diagnosis, and safe treatment of these conditions, helping to avoid complications for both mother and baby. Despite its recognized importance, several challenges still hinder access to dental prenatal care, including misconceptions, lack of information, and insufficient professional training. This study is a narrative literature review conducted in the SciELO, LILACS, and PubMed databases on dental prenatal care, focusing on its importance, challenges, and scientific evidence related to maternal care, including scientific articles published between 2015 and 2025. Pregnancy leads to hormonal and behavioral changes that increase the occurrence of gingivitis, periodontitis, dental caries, dental erosion, xerostomia, and pregnancy granuloma. Dental prenatal care is safe and effective, allowing prevention and treatment of these conditions. Evidence suggests that dental procedures can be performed throughout pregnancy, preferably during the second trimester. Lidocaine 2% with epinephrine is the anesthetic of choice. Analgesics such as paracetamol are considered safe. Penicillins, cephalosporins, and clindamycin are recommended antibiotics. Radiographs may be performed with appropriate protection starting from the second trimester. Barriers such as myths, lack of information, and insufficient professional training hinder access. Educational actions and multiprofessional integration increase adherence and improve maternal and child health. It is therefore concluded that dental prenatal care is an essential strategy for maternal and child health, as it provides safe care capable of preventing oral and systemic conditions, reinforcing the need to expand access, improve professional training, and strengthen educational actions during pregnancy.