10.5937/mckg48-4350 = Pregnancy and oral health

Abstract

Objective. This study investigated the presence of risk factors for oral disease by evaluating oral hygiene habits among pregnant women. Methods. The study included 45 pregnant women during the 8th-38th weeks of gestation that answered a questionnaire about the habits in oral hygiene. The obtained data were processed by using descriptive statistics. Results. Eighty percent of pregnant women maintained their oral hygiene, out of which 64% used only the basic measures and the remaining 36% used some of the additional treatment strategies (different types of mouthwash, dental floss or interdental brushes). As much as 69% of women attended the dentist only when necessary, only when a problem occurred (pain, swelling). The habit of teeth brushing immediately after vomiting was found in 69% of women. The total of 45% of women took less than three minutes a day to maintain their oral hygiene. Approximately 60% of women noticed gum bleeding at the teeth brush during pregnancy. The total of 27% of women confirmed to have taken less attention to oral health during their pregnancy. Only 60% of pregnant women were informed about the importance of oral health during pregnancy and 40% of them had not been informed about the importance of oral health. Conclusion. There should be a continuous process of application of prophylactic and therapeutic, as well as educational and health procedures, in dealing with pregnant women. When it comes to maintaining oral health, it is vital to inform pregnant women using comprehensible and practically applicable advice that will improve their awareness about the importance of oral hygiene.