. Saxena Payal; . Gupta Saurabh Kumar; . Yadav Sumitra; . Jain Sandhya; . Jain Deshraj; . Kamthan Shivam; . Saxena Parul
Volume 7, Issue 6 , December 2017, , Pages 1-6
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The oral health of pregnant females needs attention, especially in developing countrieslike India where oral checkup and care is not considered to be a part of mandatory ...
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BACKGROUND: The oral health of pregnant females needs attention, especially in developing countrieslike India where oral checkup and care is not considered to be a part of mandatory antenatal protocols.OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the oral health status of pregnant females in Central Indiaincluding the assessment of their knowledge, attitude, and awareness about oral health.MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study population comprised of 320 pregnant females, and acontrol group consisted of 103 age‑matched nonpregnant females. A cross‑sectional self‑reportedquestionnaire‑based survey and clinical examination was conducted.RESULTS: Out of 320, 192 (60%) pregnant females had some dental problem during pregnancy.Community periodontal index (CPI) score for total pregnant females (2.16) was significantly higherin comparison to control group (1.29). Nearly 72.81% of pregnant females had never attended thedentist. Trimester‑wise comparison showed time‑dependent increase in CPI score. Low educationalstatus, older age, earlier issues, poor hygiene habits, and tobacco use showed a direct effect oncompromised oral health.CONCLUSION: The study highlights the need of interaction between dental practitioners andgynecologists including routine dental checkup during antenatal visits of pregnant females as essential.