Frequency and Risk Indicators of Tooth Decay among Pregnant Women in France: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

Abstract

IntroductionLittle is known on the prevalence of tooth decay among pregnant women. Better knowledge of tooth decay risk indicators during pregnancy could help to develop follow-up protocols for women at risk, along with better prevention strategies. The aim of this study was to assess the frequency of tooth decay and the number of decayed teeth per woman in a large sample of pregnant women in France, and to study associated risk indicators.MethodsA secondary cross-sectional analysis of data from a French multicentre case-control study was performed. The sample was composed of 1094 at-term women of six maternity units. A dental examination was carried out within 2 to 4 days post-partum. Socio-demographic and behavioural characteristics were obtained through a standardised interview with the women. Medical characteristics were obtained from the women’s medical records. Risk indicators associated with tooth decay were identified using a negative binomial hurdle model.Results51.6% of the women had tooth decay. The mean number of decayed teeth among women having at least one was 3.1 (s.d. = 2.8). Having tooth decay was statistically associated with lower age (aOR = 1.58, 95%CI [1.03,2.45]), lower educational level (aOR = 1.53, 95%CI [1.06,2.23]) and dental plaque (aOR = 1.75, 95%CI [1.27,2.41]). The number of decayed teeth was associated with the same risk indicators and with non-French nationality and inadequate prenatal care.DiscussionThe frequency of tooth decay and the number of decayed teeth among pregnant women were high. Oral health promotion programmes must continue to inform women and care providers about the importance of dental care before, during and after pregnancy. Future research should also assess the effectiveness of public policies related to oral health in target populations of pregnant women facing challenging social or economic situations.

Pregnant Women’s Knowledge of Baby’s Oral Health in a Basic Health Unit, Fortaleza, Brazil

“…In addition, 25.9% of the participants were under 19 years old, which may place them in a group of higher social vulnerability [9].…”

“…One factor that has deserved special attention in tooth decay disease etiology is the socioeconomic level of the individual, once the social determinant involved in the health-disease process, such as low educational and economic level and low family income, has been described in the literature as an important risk factor to tooth decay disease [7]. In this sense, pregnant women are also more vulnerable, once low educational level and low family income affect the development of carious lesion [8,9], as well as lower age, considering that many women get pregnant in adolescence [9].…”

Brief Review on Prophylaxis and Treatment of Caries Disease.

“…The best care you can have for your teeth is prevention, for this you need to: make sure that the community's drinking water has been fluoridated at a level of one million to one million; Use toothpaste; brushing teeth and 1707 flossing; regularly visit the dentist to do the cleaning of the dental arches; have a balanced diet; avoid sweets and sugary drinks between meals; saliva helps to prevent cavities as long as the mouth is clean [21].…”

“…Health professionals have a responsibility to act in the prevention of diseases, minimizing risks and promoting favorable conditions so that it is possible to achieve and maintain oral health. On the other hand, patients also need to be aware of their role in health care [21]. The prevention of dental caries is possible through regular oral hygiene [21].…”

“…On the other hand, patients also need to be aware of their role in health care [21]. The prevention of dental caries is possible through regular oral hygiene [21].…”