Pregnant Women May Get Dental Care

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) Governor Henry is considering a proposed change to the state's SoonerCare health care program.<br/> <br/>It would permit pregnant women who receive medical care under the program

Thursday, December 21st 2006, 7:57 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) Governor Henry is considering a proposed change to the state's SoonerCare health care program.

It would permit pregnant women who receive medical care under the program to also receive dental care.

The plan was approved last week by the Oklahoma Health Care Authority, the state's Medicaid provider. Henry, who must approve the plan, has 45 days to accept or reject the changes.

According to the American Academy of Periodontology, about half of pregnant women experience "pregnancy gingivitis," with swelling, bleeding or redness in the gums. Pregnant women also may develop periodontal disease, a gum infection that destroys fibers and bones that hold teeth.

Periodontal disease can lead to low-birthweight babies and premature births.