Oral hygiene and oral health behavior, periodontal complaints and oral health-related quality of life in pregnant women

Abstract

Objectives This questionnaire-based cross-sectional study aimed in the evaluation of oral hygiene and oral health behavior, periodontal complaints and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in pregnant women in southwest-Saxony, Germany. Materials and methods Consecutive patients attending the clinics for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Heinrich-Braun-Klinikum Zwickau, Germany, were recruited in the years 2020 and 2021. The evaluation consisted of three parts: (I) dental and oral hygiene behavior, (II) periodontal complaints and (III) German short form of oral health impact profile (OHIP G14) to assess OHRQoL. Results 853 out of 1056 participants were included in the study. The pregnant women reported that they have received information on oral health during pregnancy more often from gynecologists than from dentists. Slightly more than half of the participants (51.5%) rated to regularly undergo a professional tooth cleaning. Similarly, nearly half of the women stated to perform interdental cleaning (55.8%). The most common periodontal complaint was bleeding of the gums (45.4%). The OHIP G14 findings of all questions as well as sum scores showed a median of 0. Regression analysis revealed that regular professional tooth cleaning was a predictor of better OHRQoL (β – 0.698, CI95 0.049–1.299; p < 0.04). Conclusion Oral hygiene and oral health behavior of pregnant women in southwest-Saxony requires improvement. While the overall OHRQoL of the cohort was not reduced, professional tooth cleaning and thus professional preventive measures can support OHRQoL during pregnancy. Improved interdisciplinary oral health care concepts for pregnant women should be fostered. These concepts can also positively influence OHRQoL issues.

Factors associated with oral health care behaviors of pregnant women in a northeastern province in Thailand: A hospital-based cross-sectional study

“…The need for dental care during pregnancy recommended internationally has been followed by nations worldwide [ 1 ], as oral health is an important indicator of overall health, well-being, and life quality [ 2 ]. Pregnancy is a period of particular vulnerability because many physiological changes in the body of pregnant women can affect the oral cavity [ 3 ]. In addition, the gestation period presents both physiological and psychological changes that expose the oral cavity to pathologies that can affect the mother’s general health, such as hormonal changes that interfere with the oral cavity, aggravating pathologies like periodontal disease, gingivitis, and dental caries [ 1 ].…”

“…In addition, children whose mothers or caregivers have untreated dental caries were more likely to have dental caries including early childhood caries, the most common chronic infectious childhood disease, and a major public health problem in the coming years [ 5 ]. Previous studies have shown a reduced oral health-related quality of life in pregnant women [ 3 ].…”

“…Therefore, routine adequate and effective care is essential to maintain sustainable oral and dental healthcare for a lifetime [ 16 ]. There seems to be a lack of oral health information particularly for pregnant women [ 3 ]. Hence, this study aims to investigate factors associated with oral healthcare behaviors among pregnant women in Thailand.…”

Leveraging Dental Stem Cells for Oral Health during Pregnancy: A Concise Review

“…Monitoring oral health indicators during prenatal care allows for early intervention, potentially mitigating the risk of pregnancy-related complications [56]. Educating pregnant women about the importance of oral hygiene practices and regular dental check-ups is crucial in preventing potential complications [57]. Implementing comprehensive oral health education programs can empower women to adopt preventive measures and enhance their overall well-being during pregnancy [58].…”

How much do pregnant women know about the importance of oral health in pregnancy? Questionnaire-based survey

“…Furthermore, in combination with oral pathological flora, an increased hormone level changes and decreases immune response is shown [ 7 ]. It leads to gums swelling and spontaneous or provoked gingival bleeding [ 8 ]. Although the plaque levels is declared to remain unchanged during the pregnancy, the gingival inflammation of pregnant women is significantly increased and peaked in the third trimester but dropped only at 3 months postpartum [ 7 ].…”