A nomogram prediction of periodontitis in Chinese pregnant women with different sociodemographic and oral behavior characteristics: A community-based study

Abstract

Objectives The periodontal health of pregnant women is an important health concern as periodontitis can compromise the pregnancy outcomes. This study aimed to assess periodontitis and its associated factors in pregnant women to identify its risk indicators and develop a nomogram prediction model for the risk of periodontitis in pregnancy. Materials and methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in 438 pregnant women at 10–36 gestational weeks in Langfang, China. The periodontal status was examined, and the demographic, socioeconomic, and oral health behavioral data were collected. Potential influencing factors were analyzed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. A nomogram prediction model was developed and its validation and discriminatory abilities were analyzed. Results The incidence of periodontitis in pregnant mowen was 59.8%. The variables associated with periodontitis in pregnant women were gestational age, non-first pregnancy, daily tooth brushing frequency before pregnancy ≤ 1, and annual frequency of periodontal treatment < 1, including no periodontal treatment. A nomogram prediction model for periodontitis in pregnant women was developed using these four factors. The AUC of the training and testing cohorts were 0.855 and 0.831, demonstrated a good prediction accuracy of the nomogram model. The calibration curve and decision curve analysis demonstrated good performance and high net benefit of nomogram. Conclusion The gestational age, non-first pregnancy, lower frequency of daily tooth brushing before pregnancy, and lower frequency of periodontal treatment may be risk factors for periodontitis in pregnant Chinese women. An easy-to-use nomogram with acceptable accuracy enables periodontitis risk prediction in pregnant Chinese women. Clinical relevance: This nomogram model can assist clinicians in evaluating the risk of periodontitis in pregnancy, thereby offering more tailored oral health education to women of reproductive age.