Insight to oral health status, knowledge and practices of Saudi Pregnant women

Abstract

Background: Pregnancy is a time of increased susceptibility in terms of dental health due to typical physiological changes. Pregnant women with better oral health are less likely to experience pregnancy-related dental disease problems.Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted at college of dentistry, Qassim university, Qassim province of Saudi Arabia. A piloted tested self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data which was available in Arabic and English languages. Data collection was done through social media platform among pregnant women. Pearson's chi-square test was used to analysehe difference of opinions among different trimester of pregnant women’s.Result: In the present study, 208 pregnant women’s responded to online forms through social media platform, with mean age of participants was 33.10 ±8.11. Significantly, higher number of second trimester woman reported dental problem and majority of them attended private dental clinic. The majority of women’s were dissatisfied about the instruction given by gynecologist for dental care. But surprisingly, significantly higher number of women were aware about the aware about eruption time of baby tooth and harmful effect of bottle-feeding.Conclusion: Saudi women's oral health knowledge and practices need to be improved in order to prevent dental and oral diseases and to motivate them to receive routine dental care in order to ward off additional illness.