The Importance of Strategies in Promoting Oral Health in Pregnancy

Abstract

The gestational period must be the focus of attention by dental professionals, with a view to promoting oral health and preventing diseases that affect the oral cavity. Several factors can promote the manifestations of oral alterations during pregnancy, especially hormonal changes and the presence of bacterial plaque due to inefficient oral hygiene. In view of this, developing new ways of clarifying the possibilities of treatment and the meaning of chronic conditions as factors of harm to oral health is fundamental for the promotion of oral health in pregnant women. Objective: To discuss the importance of implementing strategies to promote oral health during pregnancy, as well as highlighting the dentist's role in achieving the maintenance of the mother's general health. Methodology: The present study is a review of the literature with a quantitative approach and descriptive character. The articles were obtained after searching the Database: VHL. Database: LILACS and BBO. With the use of keywords: Oral health, Pregnant women and Health Education. As inclusion criteria: full text available, articles in Portuguese, articles published between the years 2012-2022 and original articles. Result: The lack of knowledge about oral health makes many pregnant women continue to practice wrong habits, causing many oral pathologies. Therefore, it is necessary to disseminate correct information about dental treatment during pregnancy, in addition to reinforcing the training of dentists to serve this specific public. Conclusion: Based on strategies implemented by dentists in prenatal care, the pregnant woman can act as a multiplier agent of preventive information, thus contributing to the promotion of oral health.