Assessment of Oral Health Status and Treatment Needs among a Cohort of Pregnant Women in Hyderabad City – A Cross-sectional Survey

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Abstract Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the oral health status and treatment needs of pregnant women visiting the Osmania Government Maternity Hospital in Hyderabad, India. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted for about 5 months, encompassing 606 pregnant women. In the clinical oral examination, the community periodontal index (CPI), loss of attachment (LOA), dentition status, and treatment needs were recorded using the World Health Organization 1997 pro forma. The data were analyzed using SPSS software version 22.0. Results: On periodontal examination, 279 (46%) subjects had calculus (Code “2”), and 219 (36.1%) respondents presented with shallow pockets (Code “3”) on probing. Furthermore, more than half of the study participants (353; 58.3%) had an LOA of 4–5 mm (Code “1”). Women in the third trimester had a significantly (P < 0.001) higher mean number of sextants affected with CPI Code “1” (1.94 ± 1.08), Code “3” (1.03 ± 1.14), Code “4” (0.09 ± 0.37), and LOA Code “2” (0.13 ± 0.40). Likewise, study participants who conceived three or more times had a significantly higher mean number of sextants affected by CPI Code “3” (1.09 ± 1.14; P < 0.001), LOA Code “1” (2.22 ± 1.53; P < 0.001), and LOA Code “2” (0.12 ± 0.36; P = 0.02). The mean decayed missing filled teeth (3.91 ± 3.25, 4.00 ± 3.24) and decayed teeth (3.83 ± 3.25, 3.96 ± 3.24) showed a significant (P = 0.0001) relationship with women in the third trimester, those who conceived three or more times. Based on treatment needs, 420 (69.3%) teeth are in need of one surface filling, 217 (35.8%) teeth require two or more surface fillings, and pulp care and restoration were needed in 213 (35.1%) teeth. On a note, a greater percentage of the participants (84%) had never been to the dentist. Conclusion: The study emphasizes the need to structure preventive oral health education programs at regular intervals targeting expecting women.