Oral Health Problems among Pregnant Saudi Arabian Women: A Self-report Survey

Abstract

Objective: There are limited data on the prevalence of oral health problems in pregnant Saudi Arabian women; therefore, the aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of their oral health problems and related factors. Materials and Methods: A self-administered survey was conducted between August 14 and August 31, 2016, on 438 pregnant women at the Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs Primary Health Care Centers, Riyadh. A standardized and reliable questionnaire was used to collect data. We collected data on sociodemographic data, lifestyles, and use of dental services during pregnancy. The main outcomes were oral health problems including self-reported dry mouth, gingival bleeding, dental pain, and dental caries. A logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with each of the oral health problems. Results: Of the sample, 56.7% reported dry mouth, 55.8% gingival bleeding, 35.3% dental pain, and 35% dental caries. Women with low-income sleep deprivation, irregular eating patterns, and those who did receive dental services during pregnancy were most likely to have dental pain. Infrequent consumption of fruits and vegetables, vomiting, and having high stress increased the odds of dry mouth. The risk of gingival bleeding was high in women in the second trimester and those with gestational diabetes. Conclusion:We noted a high prevalence of oral health problems among pregnant Saudi women. Income, sleep deprivation, dental care utilization, and irregular eating patterns are factors that could impact perception of oral health conditions of pregnant women. Studies are needed to investigate the best approach to promote and maintain healthy lifestyles in pregnant women. This may help in developing related health policies or programs to promote oral health in this population.

The role of oral and prenatal healthcare providers in the promotion of oral health for pregnant women

“…Worldwide, 50% of pregnant women experience dental pain and 40% suffer from periodontal disease [ 10 , 11 ]. In Saudi Arabia, 70–90% of pregnant women have at least one dental problem [ 12 , 13 ]. Periodontal disease was the most (30–60%) prevalent dental problem followed by dental caries and toothache [30–40%] [ 12 , 14 , 15 ].…”

The Role of Oral and Prenatal Healthcare Providers in the Promotion of Oral Health for Pregnant Women

“…In Saudi Arabia, the delivery of health services is supervised and nanced by the Ministry of Health [MOH] and oral healthcare is integrated into prenatal care [22]. Nonetheless, more than half of the pregnant women in Saudi Arabia completely avoid dental care during pregnancy and most access dental care only when they have toothache or bleeding gums [11,[13][14][15][16]23]. The most reported barriers to the utilization of dental care during pregnancy were low awareness of the importance of oral healthcare, negative perceptions regarding the safety of dental treatment, and lack of perceived need for dental care [11,14,16,[23][24].…”

The Role of Oral and Prenatal Healthcare Providers in the Promotion of Oral Health for Pregnant Women

“…Worldwide, 50% of pregnant women experience dental pain, and 40% suffer from periodontal disease [11][12]. In Saudi Arabia, 70-90% of pregnant women have at least one dental problem [13][14]. Periodontal disease was the most (30-60%) prevalent dental problem, followed by dental caries and toothache [30-40%] [13,[15][16].…”

“…In Saudi Arabia, 70-90% of pregnant women have at least one dental problem [13][14]. Periodontal disease was the most (30-60%) prevalent dental problem, followed by dental caries and toothache [30-40%] [13,[15][16]. Periodontal disease during pregnancy is associated with adverse birth outcomes, such as preterm birth and low birth weight [17][18].…”

“…In Saudi Arabia, the delivery of health services is supervised and nanced by the Ministry of Health, and oral healthcare is integrated into prenatal care [22]. Nonetheless, more than half of the pregnant women in Saudi Arabia completely avoid dental care during pregnancy, and most access dental care only when they have toothache or bleeding gums [11,[13][14][15][16]23]. The most reported barriers to the utilization of dental care during pregnancy were low awareness of the importance of oral healthcare, negative perceptions regarding the safety of dental treatment, and lack of perceived need for dental care [11,14,16,[23][24].…”