Sociodemographic Differences in Health Awareness and Oral Health in Pregnant Women

Abstract

Objective The aim of this study was to determine the present oral health status of pregnant women depending on selected sociodemographic differences and deduce any resulting consequences for health prevention. Methods The participantsʼ data of relevance to the study such as age, school leaving qualification, migration background, smoking habits or last dentist visit were recorded using a questionnaire. The subsequent dental check-up concentrated on open carious lesions, any initiated root canal treatments and missing teeth. Finally, the Periodontal Screening Index was recorded to diagnose the presence of any gingivitis or periodontitis. The subsequent biometric evaluation comprised descriptive data analysis, χ2 test and logistical regression. Results The higher the school leaving qualification, the lower the probability that a pregnant woman smoked prior to pregnancy (OR 0.291; 95% CI 0.114 – 0.743) and that tartar was diagnosed (OR 0.424; 95% CI 0.185 – 0.973). Regular dentist visits (OR 4.026; 95% CI 1.613 – 10.049) increase with the attained school leaving qualification. There is a greater chance that women born in Germany taking part in the study were aware of dental risks in pregnancy (OR 2.652; 95% CI 1.285 – 5.472) and attended the dentist during pregnancy (OR 2.507; 95% CI 1.281 – 4.907). Conclusion The rate of awareness of the risks and consequences of pregnancy for oral health must be increased. The main aim for primary prophylaxis should be a reduction in the periodontal bacteria and caries of the mother and father.

Periodontal disease in pregnancy: A comparative prospective study

“…Regarding the predisposing factors, a strong correlation was detected between a healthier periodontal status and higher participation in medical screening and educational attainment, corroborating previous studies 21 22 .…”

“…Studies regarding pregnant women showed a smaller rate of participation. Kühle et al found 64.0% of pregnant women visited the dentist during pregnancy, while in the study of Przeklasa et al 64.5% of the examined pregnant women did not take part in an oral disease prophylaxis program 18 22 . Results in our study showed 68.1% of pregnant women participating in a dental health screening.…”

“…Results in our study showed 68.1 % of pregnant women participating in a dental health screening. Screening was found to correlate positively with awareness of risks and oral health status, so there is a need to increase participation, specifically in pregnancy [18,22]. The scientific consensus emphasized the importance of prevention, but also underlined that education and behavior change are needed to improve dental health [24].…”

Analysis of health behaviours of pregnant women in the perinatal period during the SARS-CoV-2 virus pandemic based on the Health Behaviour Inventory

“…The World Health Organization (WHO) and scientific associations of dentists, gynaecologists, and obstetricians emphasize that oral care is an integral part of health care provided during pregnancy [3]. There is scientific evidence showing a correlation between periodontal disease and the occurrence of preterm labour and the birth of children with low birth weight [4,5]. The implementation of therapeutic measures reduces this risk and prevents other pregnancy complications [3].…”

Overview of Oral Pyogenic Granuloma

“…It manifests as an inflammatory, pain-free growth of skin or mucous membrane, or as a localized, pedunculated, pleomorphic mass. The gingiva is the most typical intraoral location (almost 75%), however, it can also affect the lips, mucosa, and tongue [8][9][10]. It primarily affects the mucosal surface of females with elevated levels of steroidal hormones.…”