The UBC Faculty of Medicine’s Midwifery Program is pleased to kick off the year by highlighting an important new publication by Dr. Cecilia Jevitt, interim program director, alongside her colleagues Dr. Abiola Adeniyi and Dr. Swathi Ramachandran. Their groundbreaking rapid review, published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, is the first study to synthesize research on the connections between oral health and mental well-being—specifically anxiety, depression, and stress—during pregnancy.
This open-access study emphasizes the intricate interplay between oral and mental health during pregnancy, a period of profound physiological and psychological change. The findings carry significant implications for perinatal care, underscoring the need for more integrated approaches to support maternal and child health.
Key Insights from the Study
Although the link between oral health and mental health—such as anxiety and depression—is well-documented in the general population, these relationships remain underexplored during pregnancy. This study systematically reviewed evidence from January 2000 to November 2024, analyzing 22 studies to provide a comprehensive synthesis of the dynamic interactions between oral health and psychological states during pregnancy and postpartum.
The review identified three primary pathways connecting oral health and psychological well-being:
- Psychological Pathway: Dental anxiety can directly reduce access to and utilization of oral healthcare.
- Behavioural Pathway: Maternal depression impacts oral health self-efficacy, leading to reduced dental care.
- Physiological Pathway: Elevated stress biomarkers, such as cortisol, are linked to periodontal disease, while periodontal therapy has been shown to reduce these stress markers.
Recommendations for Integrated Perinatal Care
To improve outcomes for mothers and their children, the study recommends a holistic approach to prenatal care that bridges oral and mental health care. Key strategies include:
- Integrated Screening: Routine assessments for both oral and mental health during pregnancy.
- Targeted Interventions: Tailored care plans that address the interconnected nature of these health domains.
- Collaborative Care Pathways: Establishing systems that bring oral and mental health professionals together to address patients’ comprehensive needs.
The research also highlights the intergenerational impacts of maternal psychological distress, which can significantly influence children’s oral health. Addressing these factors early can have long-term benefits for families.
Access the Publication
This valuable research is open access and available for public reading:
Adeniyi AA, Ramachandran S, Jevitt CM. Oral Health, Anxiety, Depression, and Stress in Pregnancy: A Rapid Review of Associations and Implications for Perinatal Care. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2025; 22(1):32.
Read the full publication here and download or view PDF here
We encourage you to share this resource with your networks to help raise awareness of the important link between oral health and mental well-being in pregnancy.
Stay connected for more updates as UBC Midwifery continues to advance knowledge and improve care in midwifery and perinatal health.