Oral health of pregnant females in central India: Knowledge, awareness, and present status

The oral health of pregnant females needs attention, especially in developing countries like India where oral checkup and care is not considered to be a part of mandatory antenatal protocols.

This study aimed to evaluate the oral health status of pregnant females in Central India including the assessment of their knowledge, attitude, and awareness about oral health.

The study population comprised of 320 pregnant females, and a control group consisted of 103 age-matched nonpregnant females. A cross-sectional self-reported questionnaire-based survey and clinical examination was conducted.

Out of 320, 192 (60%) pregnant females had some dental problem during pregnancy. Community periodontal index (CPI) score for total pregnant females (2.16) was significantly higher in comparison to control group (1.29). Nearly 72.81% of pregnant females had never attended the dentist. Trimester-wise comparison showed time-dependent increase in CPI score. Low educational status, older age, earlier issues, poor hygiene habits, and tobacco use showed a direct effect on compromised oral health.

The study highlights the need of interaction between dental practitioners and gynecologists including routine dental checkup during antenatal visits of pregnant females as essential.