Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine the readability, quality and adequacy of the available printed educational materials designed to inform or educate the public in the US about the relationship between oral health and pregnancy. Methods: A nationwide search of printed educational materials (brochures/pamphlets/fact sheets) was conducted through internet, mail and telephone solicitations. The educational materials were reviewed and evaluated by the investigators using a standardized format in a specially developed form. The McLaughlin's SMOG (Simplified Measure Of Gobbledygook) index was used to determine the readability of the printed materials. Results: A total of 14 published pamphlets and other educational materials that focused on or included the topic of oral health and pregnancy were identified. Five out of 14 were published during the year 2000, seven between the years 1996 and 1999, and two had no publication year. The materials were published by private organizations and commercial firms, federal and local institutions, and dental organizations. Only six of the educational materials mentioned the possibility of increased risk of low birth weight (LBW) as a consequence of periodontal disease, very few contained comprehensive recommendations for professional oral health care during pregnancy and none included the possible transmission of caries-causing bacteria from mother to child. The SMOG readability test for educational materials dealing with oral health and pregnancy yielded an overall mean of grade level 10 (Range 5-13). Conclusions: This study suggests that the quantity and quality of the available educational materials on oral health and pregnancy for the general public are not adequate.

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