Closing Health Equity Through Empowering Oral Health for Maternal Wellness
University of California, San Francisco
Summary
Many pregnant people don't get the dental care they need, even though it's safe and important. The CHEER Study offers free dental check-ups, cleanings, and supplies to help participants take care of their teeth and gums during pregnancy. The purpose of this research study is to compare two types of noninvasive oral health interventions to evaluate their effectiveness. We want to learn if one method is more effective in supporting oral health and improving pregnancy outcomes. There are two aims of this study: Aim 1: To evaluate whether a structured oral health intervention reduces periodontal inflammation during pregnancy and postpartum in pregnant people with indicators of periodontal disease. Aim 2: To assess whether a structured oral health intervention is associated with changes in oral health behaviors or birth outcomes in pregnant people with periodontal disease.
Description
The Closing Health Equity through Empowering Oral Health for Maternal Wellness (the CHEER Oral Health in Pregnancy Study) aims to address significant oral health disparities experienced by pregnant individuals, particularly those from low-income and minority communities in California. Oral health is a critical yet often overlooked component of prenatal care. Existing evidence suggests that periodontal disease is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as preterm birth and low birth weight. However, many pregnant individuals in California do not receive adequate oral health services,…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- Female
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Pregnant individuals aged 18 years or older with indications of periodontal diseases (gingivitis or mild periodontitis, moderate to severe periodontitis) 2. Less than 20 weeks pregnancy at time of enrollment 3. Has dental insurance (Medi-Cal or private coverage) 4. Willing and able to provide informed consent 5. Planning to receive ongoing prenatal care at study-affiliated clinics 6. Access to a mobile phone for receiving text messages Exclusion Criteria: 1. Presence of systemic diseases or medical conditions that require antibiotic prophylaxis for dental procedures 2…
Interventions
- BehavioralEnhanced Care
All participants receive standard oral hygiene education at the baseline visit.
- BehavioralEnhanced Care +
All participants receive standard oral hygiene education at the baseline visit. Test participants also receive a home oral care kit (toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss), and will start receiving weekly oral health check-ins and reminder surveys following their initial visits at one-week intervals starting the day after their baseline visit
Location
- UCSF Dental CenterSan Francisco, California