Periodontal status and some variables among pregnant women in a Nigeria tertiary institution

Abstract

Background:Gingival changes during pregnancy have been well-documented. The prevalence of gingivitis in pregnant women has reportedly ranged from 30% to 100%. Increase in both the rate of estrogen metabolism and synthesis of prostaglandins by the gingiva contributed to the gingival changes observed during pregnancy. In effect increased prevalence of dental caries, gingivitis, periodontitis and tooth mobility may be encountered in pregnancy.Aim:The purpose of the study was to determine the association of some variables and the periodontal status in a sample of pregnant women attending the Ante Natal Clinic (ANC) of Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja, Lagos.Subjects and Methods:Women at various stages of pregnancy, attending the ANC of LASUTH, constituted the target population. The questionnaire was administered on each patient followed by dental examinations. Periodontal status was assessed using the community periodontal index (CPI) of treatment needs. Oral hygiene status was evaluated according to Green and Vermilion simplified oral hygiene index (OHI-S).Results:The association between the CPI scores; OHI-S scores and variables such as trimester and dental visits were statistically significant.Conclusion:This study indicated that the gestational age of pregnancy and dental visits have a definite impact on the periodontal status. Oral health education should be included as an integral part of antenatal care to increase the women awareness. This would improve the mothers’ dental care-seeking behavior.

Prevalence of Gingivitis in Second Trimester of Pregnancy

“…29 This may be due to the fact that the sample in the study consisted mostly of young women. However, this result is in contrast to other studies 22,37 in which the authors have suggested that aging is a natural process which results in changes in host immunity which may cause the loss of periodontal support tissue. 29…”

“…44 This was interpreted as accumulated tissue destruction across time rather than an intrinsic parity related abnormality. Contradicting result has been reported by Onigbinde et al 37…”

“…Lower educational status may directly lead to lower access to and utilization of dental services, lowdegree of periodontal health awareness and negligence of oral hygiene. 37 The level of education forms a scaffold for the knowledge of periodontal health. the level of oral health awareness, attitude and behavior is seen to improve with the level of education.…”

Educational Program to Enhance Pregnant Women's Knowledge about Dental Care and Periodontitis Outcomes

“…So the identification of the risk factors for periodontitis during pregnancy can help guide and establish early treatment, which can lead to the avoidance of the possible adverse effects of this disease on pregnancy. [1][2][3] During pregnancy, progesterone levels increase 10-folds and estrogen levels 30-folds compared to those observed on the menstrual cycle due to their continuous production. Such fluctuating female hormone levels can change conditions inside the mouth and allow bacterial growth as а result of decreased saliva, such bacteria use the eaten sugar to make acid, that acid can destroy the enamel (the protective coating of teeth) causing tooth decay and many dental problems as dental caries that caused by the progress of carious pathogens and increased de mineralization of tooth.…”

Prevalence of Periodontal Diseases in Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State, Nigeria

“…This survey thus revealed that misconceptions still exist amongst school teachers, this may contribute to the increasing prevalence of periodontal disease in the population. Also in another study by Onigbinde et al(2014), it was found that prevalence of periodontal disease ranges from 30-100%. The study further reiterated that this was as a result of increase in estrogen metabolism and synthesis of prostaglandin that occurs during pregnancy thus further worsening dental caries, gingivitis, and periodontitis.…”