Oral health awareness and practices in pregnant women: An observational study

Abstract

Poor oral hygiene practices and inadequate attention to oral health during pregnancy leads to gingiva and periodontal problems, and have adverse effect in the featus development and have postnatal effects. Available literature suggests that the research is deficit in assessing knowledge and practices related to oral hygine measures and needs and safe period for dental treatment during pregnancy. Materials and Methods: This study was cross sectional survey. A total of 100 pregnant women were selected by convenience sampling technique. A questionnaire containing 10 questions in English was explained and thus procured data was filled by the dental professional for obtaining baseline information.Result: Most pregnant women need more information about oral health and ways for prevention of occurrence of gingival and periodontal diseases. Present study subjects had reported more bleeding gums compared with other study populations. Conclusion:The overall results suggests that the knowledge and practice of oral health care need to be improved irrespective of literacy rate.