Awareness and knowledge regarding maternal periodontal status and associated pregnancy outcomes among the gynecologists of Hubli-Dharwad

Abstract

Introduction: Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease of gingiva and its supporting structures and is known to cause systemic infection which has adverse effect on pregnancy outcomes, such as preterm birth, preeclampsia, or miscarriage, which have been linked to maternal periodontitis. Aim: Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and awareness regarding the association of periodontitis and adverse pregnancy outcomes among the gynecologists practicing in Hubli-Dharwad city. Materials and Methods: The study involved a survey for 50 practicing gynecologists in Hubli-Dharwad city, a pretested close-ended questionnaire was distributed comprising 10 questions on oral health for expectant mothers, and thus, their knowledge and awareness levels were assessed. Results: The results showed that majority of gynecologists agreed importance of maintaining good general health during pregnancy and supported that providing dental treatment during pregnancy improved the pregnancy outcomes. Conclusion: However, practical implementation and referring patients to dentists were less. The gynecologists were aware of the facts but failed to execute at the clinical level. Thus, this bilateral interdisciplinary protocol can thus reduce the incidence of maternal and neonatal complications.

Correlation of knowledge and attitude on the practice of pregnant women’s oral health

“…Periodontal disease during pregnancy can cause babies with low birth weight (LBW) and preterm birth. 8,9 Good nutrition and a healthy lifestyle including good measures in maintaining oral hygiene play an essential role in the general welfare of pregnant women. 10 Oral health problems and its complications during pregnancy can be prevented by maintaining oral health behaviours that include knowledge, attitude, and practice.…”

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of prenatal care practitioners regarding oral health in pregnancy—A systematic review

“…The most frequently inquired subject was the association between periodontal disease and adverse pregnancy outcomes, namely preterm delivery, pre-eclampsia, and low weight at birth. 20,[22][23][24][25]28,32,37,41 Overall, gynecologists/obstetricians demonstrated a good level of knowledge regarding this association, while general physicians, midwives, and nurses scored lower. Several works already addressed this association, 4,44 but recently a meta-analysis of observational studies reported that women with periodontal disease have a 1.57-fold and 2.43-fold higher risk of delivering preterm or a low-birth-weight newborn, respectively.…”

“…20,[22][23][24][25]28,32,37,41 In fact, in this subgroup of PCP, more than 50.0% of the professionals knew about this association in the majority of studies. [22][23][24]28,32,37,41 On the other hand, around 13.7% 26 to 58.0% 25 of general physicians and 7.8% 31 to 59.6% 40 of midwives and nurses believed in this association. 25,26,31,40 There were still professionals, namely gynecologists (74.6%), 23 general physicians (29.0%), 29 and gynecologists and midwives (28.8%), 34 who believed that calcium is removed from the mother's teeth by the developing fetus.…”

“…The questionnaires implemented in the different studies varied in the number of questions (ranged from 15 21,36 to 82 questions 40 ), and the authors resorted to "Yes/ No" questions, 19,20,23,25,27,32,33,36,37,41,43 multiple-choice, 22,31 and Likert scales. 21,24,26,[28][29][30]34,37,38,40,42 All questionnaires were selfanswered, 10 of which were carried out online. 23,[26][27][28]30,31,36,39,41 The content of the questionnaires applied is summarized in Table 2.…”

“…All studies used questionnaires to characterize the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of PCP. The questionnaires implemented in the different studies varied in the number of questions (ranged from 15 21,36 to 82 questions 40 ), and the authors resorted to "Yes/ No" questions, 19,20,23,25,27,32,33,36,37,41,43 multiple-choice, 22,31 and Likert scales. 21,24,26,[28][29][30]34,37,38,40,42 All questionnaires were selfanswered, 10 of which were carried out online.…”