Self-perception on oral health and related behaviours among antenatal mothers attending a public antenatal clinic – Kerala

Abstract

Background and Aims: Antenatal oral care has been given least priority on a global scale. The study assesses self-perception of oral health knowledge and related behaviors among antenatal mothers. Method: A cross-sectional study was done among 400 pregnant women attending antenatal care clinic of a tertiary care center in Kerala, India. Details regarding knowledge, attitude, and practice were obtained, after getting an informed consent. The dental caries experience and gingival status were measured. To test the significance ( p ≤ 0.05) between variables, Chi-square test was used. Results: Poor oral health knowledge was observed among 75.5% of the pregnant mothers. Oral health problems were reported by 63.2% of them. Low priority for oral health (59.4%) and fear for fetal safety (17.5%) were the reasons for delaying dental services. Oral examination showed that more than half of the study subjects had a high prevalence of dental caries (67.5%) and low gingival bleeding status (26.2%). The study highlights that more than half of the study population (60.8%) were influenced by the elderly in the family to avoid certain food items. A better oral health knowledge was observed among the upper middle class (OR - 2.8) who had visited dentists within the last six months (OR - 3.6) and child bearing mothers (OR- 0.46) ( p ≤ 0.05).

The prevalence and socio-behavioural and clinical covariates of oral health related quality of life in Ugandan mothers with and without HIV-1

“…Systematic reviews have found that pregnant women had poor knowledge and awareness of oral health [ 35 , 36 ]. Bindu et al [ 37 ] also found that pregnant women placed lower priority for oral and fear for dental services were reasons for delaying dental services. Also, higher parity has been associated with number teeth present, functional tooth units of natural teeth regardless of socio-demographic and behavioural variables [ 38 , 39 ].…”

Oral healthcare attendance and the effectiveness of referrals for rural antenatal women

“…The lack of awareness regarding priority status and cost of treatment in pregnant women was evident in both GPs and patients. 2,5,9 In accordance with the DHSV priority population guidelines, pregnant women holding a governmentfunded concession (Health Care Card or Pension Card) are eligible for public dental care, hence, those birthing at the hospital were screened for concession prior to referral. One-third of antenatal women were eligible in the post-intervention period.…”

“…Physical and hormonal changes occur during pregnancy that predisposes women to an increased risk of oral diseases. 2,[6][7][8][9][10] Research has shown that it is important to monitor and maintain oral hygiene during pregnancy. 1,3 Evidence shows that up to two-thirds of pregnant women can experience periodontal disease.…”

“…1 Various studies have demonstrated the association between periodontitis and adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preterm birth, low birth weight and gestational diabetes. 1,3,7,9,[11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18] A number of factors are known to increase the risk of dental caries during pregnancy, for example, morning sickness, given the resultant acidic environment within the oral cavity. 6,19 When combined with an increase in the consumption of cariogenic food snacks and a tendency to avoid regular toothbrushing, the pregnant mother can develop an increased caries risk.…”

“…Physical and hormonal changes occur during pregnancy that predisposes women to an increased risk of oral diseases 2,6–10 . Research has shown that it is important to monitor and maintain oral hygiene during pregnancy 1,3 …”