Frequency of Gingivitis in Pregnancy : A Comparative Study between First and Third Trimesters of Pregnancy

Abstract

Objective: The aims of this study were to determine the incidence of gestational gingivitis and assess oral health status in two groups of women at different stages of pregnancy. Methods: A comparative descriptive study was conducted on pregnant women attending the outpatient antenatal care clinic at Princess Haya Hospital in Aqaba from January 2010 to August 2010. Data were collected from 580 women. Two groups were created. The first group (n=260) included women at their first trimester and the second group (n=320) included women in their third trimester of pregnancy at the time of their dental examination. Data were collected from the women by face-to-face interview and intra-oral examination. The two groups were compared. Results: Gingivitis was detected in 26.8% in women examined during their first trimester of pregnancy as compared to 32.1% in women examined during their third trimester. There was no statistical significant difference in the incidence of gingivitis between trimesters. However, there was significant difference between the first and third trimester of pregnancy regarding associated calculus (p<0.0001) and the presence of malodor (p=0.006) with both being more common in later pregnancy. Oral hygiene habits and regular dental care were much better during first months of pregnancy compared to the last three months (p<0.0001). Conclusion: Our study confirms that the frequency of gingivitis during the third trimester of pregnancy is higher than during the first trimester. Further studies are needed to determine the relation of gingivitis to oral hygiene and dental care habits. Key wards: Gingivitis, Pregnancy, Trimester