Factors Affecting Pregnant Women's dental Services Use in Razavi Khorasan Province of Iran

Despite recommendations from guidelines and institutions, dental care utilization during pregnancy remains uncommon. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and associated factors of poor dental care during pregnancy in Razavi Khorasan.

A population-based, cross-sectional study was carried out randomly on 670 mothers in 2022. Dental care utilization, oral health, and reasons for dental care usage were measured by a reliable and validated questionnaire. The data collection included information about parents, pregnancy, oral health, and dental care. Predictors associated with barriers to receiving dental care were identified and reported as Odds Ratios (ORs) and confidence intervals. For statistical analysis, Stata14 software was also used.

In general, 80.89% of mothers did not visit the dentist during pregnancy, 3.73% of them brushed and flossed twice or more a day, and 8.66% of them received dental care twice or more a year. Mothers with higher education received more dental care during pregnancy (OR = 3.42 (1.06, 11.07); p = 0.03). Nevertheless, mothers who had adhered to yearly dental care received less dental care during pregnancy (OR = 0.36 (0.17; 0.74); p = 0.00). Based on information about pregnancy history, dental care was less likely to be considered important during pregnancy, when there was multiparity and short pregnancy distances (OR = 0.39 (0.16; 0.96); p = 0.04).

Results of this study showed that awareness among pregnant women and healthcare providers about the importance of oral healthcare during pregnancy was very poor and the consequences of neglecting it were often underestimated, especially during crises and epidemics.