Journal of Education and Health Promotion 2277-9531 7 6 2017 12 01 Oral health of pregnant females in central India: Knowledge, awareness, and present status 1 6 26637 EN . Saxena Payal . Gupta Saurabh Kumar . Yadav Sumitra Department of Obstretics and Gynaecology, Mahatama Gandhi Memorial Medical College, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, . Jain Sandhya Departments of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics Orthodontics . Jain Deshraj Prosthodontics, Government College of Dentistry . Kamthan Shivam Resident, Hindu Rao Hospital, Malka, New Delhi, India . Saxena Parul Resident, Hindu Rao Hospital, Malka, New Delhi, India Journal Article 2023 01 25 BACKGROUND: The oral health of pregnant females needs attention, especially in developing countries<br />like India where oral checkup and care is not considered to be a part of mandatory antenatal protocols.<br />OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the oral health status of pregnant females in Central India<br />including the assessment of their knowledge, attitude, and awareness about oral health.<br />MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study population comprised of 320 pregnant females, and a<br />control group consisted of 103 age‑matched nonpregnant females. A cross‑sectional self‑reported<br />questionnaire‑based survey and clinical examination was conducted.<br />RESULTS: Out of 320, 192 (60%) pregnant females had some dental problem during pregnancy.<br />Community periodontal index (CPI) score for total pregnant females (2.16) was significantly higher<br />in comparison to control group (1.29). Nearly 72.81% of pregnant females had never attended the<br />dentist. Trimester‑wise comparison showed time‑dependent increase in CPI score. Low educational<br />status, older age, earlier issues, poor hygiene habits, and tobacco use showed a direct effect on<br />compromised oral health.<br />CONCLUSION: The study highlights the need of interaction between dental practitioners and<br />gynecologists including routine dental checkup during antenatal visits of pregnant females as essential.<br /><br /> https://jehp.mui.ac.ir/article_26637_f1e57fc231d053ef54780bd2c288b5cb.pdf