INTRODUCTION: This study explores the relationship between single motherhood during pregnancy and dental caries, considering factors like socioeconomic status and oral health practices. METHODS: This cross-sectional study utilized data from the NHANES cycles 2011-2018. Inclusion criteria were positive pregnancy status, age 20-44 years, complete survey response, and completion of the dental health component. Participants were analyzed based on the presence or absence of active decay. The key independent variable was relationship status (pregnant single mother (single/widowed/divorced) vs. pregnant partnered (married/living with partner). Variables included age, race/ethnicity, poverty income ratio, education level, history of high blood pressure, health insurance status, smoking status, sugar intake, and timing of the last dental visit. Statistical methods included descriptive analysis and crude and adjusted logistic regression models, utilizing SAS-9.4 to account for NHANES' sampling design. RESULTS: Crude analysis indicated that partnered pregnant individuals had a higher prevalence of untreated dental caries (OR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.08, 1.39) compared to single pregnant individuals. However, this association was not statistically significant after adjusting for potential confounders (adjusted OR = 1.02, 95% CI: 0.83, 1.26). Significant predictors were lower income, education, and smoking status. DISCUSSION: After adjusting for confounders, single motherhood alone was not a statistically significant predictor of dental caries. However, lower income, lower education levels, smoking status, and infrequent dental visits were significant predictors. These findings highlight the need for targeted public health interventions that address socioeconomic determinants, improve educational opportunities, provide financial support, and integrate oral health education into prenatal care programs.