The objective was to evaluate whether including pregnant women in a preventive dental program prevented the appearance of caries in their children up to the age of 6, and whether the effect was similar in children of immigrant and non-immigrant women. In phase I, 90 pregnant women, 45 immigrants and 45 natives, were taught about the development and prevention of caries. In phase II the oral health of their children at the age of 6 (n = 90) was evaluated, along with a control group of children of natives and immigrants of the same age (n = 90). A survey was used to determine participants’ backgrounds and habits. A multivariate study of the results was performed using R-core software. The number of children without caries was 128 (71.1%), whereas 52 (28.9%) had caries, 15 from the protocol (16.67%) and 37 from the control group (41.11%), with statistically significant differences (p < 0.001). The mean number of caries for the children in the protocol was 0.62 ± 2 and in the control group it was 1.88 ± 2.9 (p = 0.001). In the multivariate analysis the risk of developing caries was higher for the condition of being the child of an immigrant (OR = 11.137), inadequate oral health (OR = 4.993), the children being overweight at the age of 6 (OR = 10.680), and the consumption of candies (OR = 5.042). In conclusion, the preventive protocols started during pregnancy reduced caries in participants’ children, which suggests that these protocols should be encouraged. Because immigrant children are more vulnerable to caries, they and their parents should be included in preventive programs once they arrive in the host country.

RESUMENObjetivo Identificar los factores determinantes de la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud oral (OHIP-14) en una población de mujeres embarazadas. Métodos En el estudio participaron 90 pacientes embarazadas, 45 inmigrantes y 45 españolas. Las participantes completaron el cuestionario de OHIP-14 (versión española) y se les exploró el índice CAOD (presencia de caries, ausencia de dientes por caries y dientes obturados) en el segundo trimestre de embarazo. Se realizó un estudio analítico bivariante y multivariante. Resultados La edad media de las participantes inmigrantes fue 30,2 años y de las españolas de 34,4. La puntuación media de OHIP-14 fue de 5,83±6,57, siendo en el grupo de inmigrantes de 8,15 y en las nacionales de 3,51, manifestando una diferencia estadísticamente significativa (p=0.001). Las puntuaciones más altas del OHIP-14 se presentaron en los dominios de dolor (110), seguido del malestar psicológico (81). Tomando como punto de corte el valor de la mediana en la puntuación del OHIP-14 (≥3), el Odds ratio de sentir una salud oral que interfiere en la calidad de vida fue de 3,294 y este riesgo se potenció con el padecimiento de caries (4,323) pero no con la edad. Conclusiones Dado que la experiencia de caries, pudiera ser uno de los determinantes en la valoración de percibir una peor calidad de vida oral durante el embarazo, se necesitarían más estudios que lo corroborasen, y así ampliar las expectativas preventivas en el desarrollo de la salud oral por parte de la política sanitaria.Palabras Clave: Embarazo, calidad de vida, odontología en salud pública, caries dental (fuente: DeCS, BIREME). ABSTRACTObjective To identify the factors that determine quality of life related to oral health (OHIP-14) in a population of pregnant women. Methods This study included ninety pregnant women, 45 immigrants and 45 from Spain. Participants completed the Oral Health Impact Profile questionnaire (OHIP-14) -Spanish version-and the DMFT index (decayed, missing, and filled teeth) was explored during the second trimester of pregnancy. A bivariate and multivariate analytical study was performed. Results The average age of immigrant participants was 30.2, and of Spanish women 34.4. The mean OHIP-14 score was 5. 83±6.57 (8.15 in the immigrant group and 3.51 in the Spanish group), showing a statistically significant difference (p=0.001). The highest OHIP-14 scores were related to pain (110), followed by psychological distress (81). Considering the median value in the OHIP-14 score as a cut-off (≥3), the odds ratio for oral health that interferes with quality of life was 3 294, and this risk was increased by caries (4 323) but not by age. Conclusions Since the DMFT could be one of the determining factors for worst quality of life in pregnant patients, more studies to corroborate this information are necessary in order to expand preventive expectations in the practice of oral health in relation to policies.