PRENATAL DENTAL CARE: THE IMPORTANCE OF THE DENTAL SURGEON'S PERFORMANCE IN THE HEALTH OF PREGNANT WOMEN AND NEWBORNS

Abstract

The gestational period involves a series of physiological changes that affect various structures of the female body in order to adapt the organism to a new life that will be created. The oral cavity is one of the structures that undergoes changes during this period, contributing to the worsening of pre-existing oral diseases, which can compromise the general health of the pregnant woman and the fetus. In this regard, the lack of care for the oral health of pregnant women can increase the risk of premature births and/or low birth weight babies, thus being a considerable problem. In view of this, the question arises: how will prenatal dental care influence the health of pregnant women and newborns? The general objective of this study is to analyze the influence of prenatal dental care on the health of pregnant women and newborns. Furthermore, as specific objectives, it seeks to contextualize the importance of prenatal dental care for pregnant women, identify the relationship between oral changes and gestational problems, and present the benefits of preventive dental care. The methodology adopted will include a bibliographical research with a qualitative approach of data found in scientific articles, defense theses, dissertations, and books that are in line with the proposed theme. Based on the above, this research achieves the result of contributing to a greater and better knowledge on the subject by dental professionals and especially by pregnant women. Thus, configuring progress in the prevention of unfavorable obstetric outcomes through oral health.