Food Intake, Oral Hygiene Practices, Self-reported Oral Problems, and Knowledge of Oral Diseases among Pregnant and Non-pregnant Women Attending Community Health Center, Child Care Center, and Tertiary Care Hospital in Urban Ajmer

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine food intake, the level of knowledge of oral diseases, practices regarding oral hygiene, and self-reported oral problems among pregnant and non-pregnant women attending community health center, child care center, and tertiary care hospital in urban Ajmer. Materials and Methods: This was a quantitative, questionnaire-based, and cross-sectional study, in which 300 respondents of 20–35 years of age. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. Results: Participants in the knowledge of oral diseases were 26% gingivitis signs including gum swelling (5.7%) and bleeding (9.7%). Of all the participants, 21.3% practiced tooth brushing twice/day, 65.7% used toothpowder, and dental floss (17.7). Self-reported oral problems included reddish gums (8%), painful gums (10.7%), burning mouth (15.7%), dry mouth (28%), and bad breath (7%). Conclusion: Majority of women studied no basic knowledge of oral diseases and only few knew the causes. All respondents performed tooth cleaning however, majority did not know the appropriate practices, and only few had oral problems. Integration of oral health care to general health promotion and oral therapy given to pregnant women at high risk is recommended to prevent adverse pregnancy outcomes.