Examining the association of maternal oral health experiences with adverse birth outcomes: findings from Virginia’s PRAMS survey

Abstract Background Preterm birth (PTB) and low birth weight (LBW) are significant public health challenges globally, contributing to neonatal morbidity, mortality, and long-term complications. Maternal oral health has been increasingly recognized as a potential contributor to PTB and LBW, yet there is inconclusive evidence about the effectiveness of dental cleaning in preventing PTB and LBW. This study examined the association between dental cleaning during pregnancy and the prevalence of PTB and LBW using data from the Virginia Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS). Methods We analyzed data from Virginia PRAMS Phases 7 and 8, spanning a 10-year period from 2012 to 2022. Oral health experiences, including dental cleaning during pregnancy, were self-reported. PTB and LBW were obtained from birth certificates. Weighted logistic regression models were used to examine the association between oral health and PTB or LBW, while adjusting for potential confounders. Missing data was addressed through multiple imputation. Results Among 8,820 women, 9.29% (95% CI: 9.23–9.34%) experienced PTB and 7.13% (95% CI: 6.57–7.72%) delivered a LBW infant. In unadjusted analyses, dental cleaning during pregnancy was significantly associated with reduced odds of PTB (OR = 0.79; 95% CI: 0.65–0.99) and LBW (OR = 0.79; 95% CI: 0.65–0.96). After adjusting for potential confounders using both traditional multivariable models or propensity score, the associations were attenuated and lost statistical significance, although the direction of effect consistently suggested a protective role of dental cleaning. Conclusion Integrating preventive oral health services into prenatal care may contribute to improved birth outcomes and should remain a public health priority.