Knowledge and Habits on Oral Health of Highly Educated Women During Pregnancy and Their Babies. A Cross-sectional Questionnaire Survey in Northern-italy

Abstract

Background: Life-long healthy behaviors are established during pregnancy and the first years of life. This cross-sectional survey aimed to interview new mothers with a high level of schooling living in Northern Italy (Lombardy Region) to assess their knowledge and habits relating to their oral health and their children’s oral health. Methods: A questionnaire (27 items) was developed to assess socio-demographic factors, knowledge, and attitudes toward mothers’ and child’s oral health. The questionnaire was disseminated in perinatal courses, private gynecological clinics, and via social media. Mothers aged ≥ 18 years, with at least a child aged 0-36 months, with a high school diploma or higher, were included in the survey. Results: Overall, 1340 women completed the questionnaire, 1297 of whom had a child aged 0-36 months, 792 were residents in Lombardy, and 600 had a high level of education and were finally included. About half of the sample (44.67%) were between 31 and 35 years, 76.50% were employed, and the majority had only one child (81.50%). During pregnancy, 28.33% of the sample reported problems with teeth and/or gums, while only 36.00% visited a dentist. More than 40% of the sample reported not being aware of a possible correlation between oral health and pregnancy, and 73.17% did not receive advice about their oral health or the future health of the baby’s mouth. Less than 20% of the women was aware of the increased caries risk due to prolonged or nocturnal breastfeeding. Better knowledge/attitude was associated with the age of the child (p<0.01), the number of children (p=0.04), and whether the mother had received advice during pregnancy (p<0.01). Conclusions: The findings of the present survey show a lack of dental care during pregnancy, a lack of information on oral health received from medical personnel during and after pregnancy, and, consequently, gaps in the knowledge needed to care for her and her child’s oral health. There is a need for training courses on oral health for pregnant women and new mothers, but also for a change in the behaviour of health professionals who care for pregnant women.