Current Status of Dental Examinations During Pregnancy Term in Matsudo City, Japan

Poor oral hygiene during pregnancy is associated with pre-term birth, low birth weight, and pregnancy-induced hypertension, suggesting its significant effects on both maternal and fetal health. However, global guidelines indicate that oral care during pregnancy remains an underdeveloped field, and no large-scale reports on dental studies conducted during pregnancy exist in Japan. Therefore, we assessed the key factors that contribute to maintaining oral health during pregnancy in a cohort of Japanese women.

We conducted dental examinations on 907 pregnant women in Matsudo City, Japan, and investigated the key factors for maintaining 379 women (41.7%) had untreated cavities. An increase in the frequency of toothbrushing was associated with a higher number of treated teeth (r=0.315, p < 0.001). However, periodontal disease-related factors such as gingival bleeding (71.2%) and the condition of periodontal pockets showed little correlation with brushing frequency(r=-0.139, p > 0.05 for untreated teeth and brushing frequency).

While brushing teeth three times a day, including during pregnancy, is ideal, attention should also be directed to other aspects, such as brushing technique and thoroughness, which may require further consideration. This report serves as a foundation for obstetricians and dentists to recognize the importance of oral hygiene management during pregnancy and advocate for dental checkups during pregnancy, providing valuable opportunities to increase awareness regarding this issue.