A LOOK AT THE DISCREPANCIES IN BRAZILIAN PRENATAL DENTAL CARE

Abstract

Monitoring pregnant women during prenatal dental care is essential for the health of both mother and child. It serves as a valuable learning opportunity where necessary care during pregnancy and after the baby's birth is taught. Given its importance, this literature review aims to discuss current data on the state of dental care in Brazil, highlighting the challenges faced in ensuring and improving access to prenatal dental care. This study is a literature review conducted using specific descriptors from the Health Sciences Descriptors (DeCS/MeSH): “Prenatal Education”; “Prenatal Care”; “Dental Care”; and utilizing the following databases: Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), Brazilian Library of Dentistry (BBO) through the Virtual Health Library (VHL) online platform, and the National Library of Medicine (PUBMED). The articles analyzed emphasize the need for increased attention to prenatal dental care and describe the current role of dental surgeons in prenatal care. Various analyses on the importance of prenatal dental care and the role of dental surgeons make it evident that there is a need for further development and attention to dental care during the prenatal period.