Awareness, attitude and knowledge regarding oral health among pregnant women: A comparative study

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Pregnancy in a woman's life is associated with many physiological changes in the body due to alterations in the hormone levels. These altered hormonal levels are associated with many systemic diseases. The incidence of oral diseases in general and periodontal diseases in particular are higher in pregnant women, with gingivitis and periodontitis being the most common. Furthermore, it has been evidenced in literature that periodontal diseases are associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preterm low birth weight and preeclampsia. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the oral health knowledge among pregnant women visiting and not visiting a dental professional. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was a survey-based one with a sample size of 260. The study population was divided into two groups based on their visits to a dentist. A questionnaire comprising 20 questions has been used to assess their awareness and attitude towards oral health. RESULTS: The awareness regarding oral health and association with adverse pregnancy outcomes among the study population was very low, irrespective of their dental visit. Furthermore, majority of the study population in neither of the groups were aware that dental treatment was safe during pregnancy. CONCLUSION: The results of the study clearly reflected that the awareness levels among the pregnant women regarding this association were low. Hence, more collective efforts are required from dental and medical professionals to improve the oral and periodontal health outcomes during pregnancy.