Oral Health, Anxiety, Depression, and Stress in Pregnancy: A Rapid Review of Associations and Implications for Perinatal Care

Abiola A. Adeniyi, Swathi Ramachandran and Cecilia Marie Jevitt ()
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Abiola A. Adeniyi: School of Policy and Global Studies, Fairleigh Dickinson University, Vancouver, BC V6B 2P6, Canada
Swathi Ramachandran: University of British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, BC Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4R4, Canada
Cecilia Marie Jevitt: Department of Family Practice, Midwifery Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada

IJERPH, 2024, vol. 22, issue 1, 1-15

Abstract: Research demonstrates associations between oral health and specific mental health conditions in the general population, yet these relationships remain understudied during pregnancy, despite pregnancy’s profound effects on both oral and psychological well-being. Our rapid review examines current evidence on associations between oral health conditions and psychological states (anxiety, depression, and stress) during pregnancy, aiming to inform and strengthen integrated prenatal care strategies. Following PRISMA-RR guidelines, we conducted a systematic search on OVID Medline, CINAHL, and PsycINFO (January 2000–November 2024) for studies examining relationships between oral health conditions (periodontal disease, dental caries) and psychological status during pregnancy and up to one year postpartum. Systematic screening of 1201 records yielded 22 eligible studies (13 cross-sectional studies, 3 longitudinal cohort studies, 3 comparative studies, 2 prospective studies, and 1 case–control study). Analysis confirmed significant associations between oral health and psychological well-being during pregnancy through three pathways: psychological (dental anxiety directly limits oral healthcare utilization), behavioral (maternal depression reduces oral health self-efficacy), and physiological (elevated stress biomarkers correlate with periodontal disease, and periodontal therapy is associated with reduced salivary cortisol). These interactions extend intergenerationally, with maternal psychological distress showing significant associations with children’s caries risk. Evidence suggests interactions between oral health conditions and psychological states during pregnancy, warranting integrated care approaches. We recommend: (1) implementing combined oral–mental health screening in prenatal care, (2) developing interventions targeting both domains, and (3) establishing care pathways that address these interconnections. This integrated approach could improve both maternal and child health outcomes.

Keywords: pregnancy; oral health; anxiety; depression; stress; biopsychosocial pathways; integrated prenatal care (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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