Oral health of pregnant females in central India: Knowledge, awareness, and present status
Volume 7, Issue 6, December 2017, Pages 1-6
. Saxena Payal, . Gupta Saurabh Kumar, . Yadav Sumitra, . Jain Sandhya, . Jain Deshraj, . Kamthan Shivam, . Saxena Parul
Abstract BACKGROUND: The oral health of pregnant females needs attention, especially in developing countries
like 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 India
including the assessment of their knowledge, attitude, and awareness about oral health.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study population comprised of 320 pregnant females, and a
control group consisted of 103 age‑matched nonpregnant females. A cross‑sectional self‑reported
questionnaire‑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 higher
in comparison to control group (1.29). Nearly 72.81% of pregnant females had never attended the
dentist. Trimester‑wise comparison showed time‑dependent increase in CPI score. Low educational
status, older age, earlier issues, poor hygiene habits, and tobacco use showed a direct effect on
compromised oral health.
CONCLUSION: The study highlights the need of interaction between dental practitioners and
gynecologists including routine dental checkup during antenatal visits of pregnant females as essential.