Santa Casa do Pará promotes oral health for pregnant women with educational and preventive project
The initiative offers biweekly lectures with guidance on dental care during pregnancy and postpartum, benefiting mothers from various municipalities
Since 2023, Santa Casa do Pará has been conducting the project "Oral Health Education from Mom to Baby," aimed at pregnant women, postpartum women, and their companions served at the institution's Casa da Gestante. The initiative includes biweekly educational lectures, focusing on guiding proper brushing, the importance of dental consultations during prenatal care, oral hygiene for newborns, and other essential care for the health of mothers and babies.
The project is led by dentist Tiago Navega, in partnership with dental students Thayssa Santos (UFPA) and Maria Luiza Alvares (Fibra), who conduct the lectures in an accessible and welcoming manner.
According to Tiago Navega, many patients who arrive at Casa da Gestante come from the interior of the state and are unaware that dental prenatal care is a right guaranteed by the SUS, as outlined in the Gestante Notebook.
“We clarify that this follow-up exists and that it is safe, even with the use of anesthesia, in addition to indicating the ideal period for treatments. We also talk about the baby's dentition and demystify myths that still persist,” explains the dentist.
In addition to benefiting the patients of Santa Casa, the project has a multiplying effect: when they return to their cities, the pregnant women take the information learned and help raise awareness among other women.
This is the case of Rosicleia dos Santos, from Paragominas, who is in her fifth pregnancy. "I never knew that every pregnant woman has the right to dental care during prenatal care. I have had four children and have never had this type of follow-up. Now I know the importance and want to share this with other pregnant women in my city," she stated.
During the lectures, participants also learn that oral health directly affects the health of the pregnant woman and the baby. Studies show that untreated infections can contribute to premature births, low birth weight babies, and other complications.
Dentist Isabelle Alves, the project's creator, participated in the lecture this Thursday (29) and recalled how the action originated:
“I was called to evaluate a patient at Casa da Gestante and noticed that many women had no information about oral hygiene during pregnancy. I thought about how I could contribute and started with simple, yet objective lectures, to ensure they understand how to take care of their oral health and the impact of this on pregnancy,” she reported.
