In the United States, use of oral health care services during pregnancy remains low, with fewer than 40% of pregnant women seeking preventive oral health care. Low use of oral health care services is concerning, as a lack of regular preventive oral health care and delayed treatment increase the risk of developing dental disease and is potentially associated with gestational diabetes and hypertensive disorders.

This article examines whether use of preventive oral health care services or visits to a dentist or dental clinic for problems during pregnancy is associated with gestational diabetes and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.