Knowledge and practices regarding oral health and hygiene and its correlation with periodontal health in pregnant women, visiting hospitals of prime foundation

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the periodontal health of pregnant women by using Community periodontal index of treatment needs (CPITN). To determine the oral health knowledge of pregnant women during pregnancy. To determine the correlation of knowledge and oral hygiene practices with periodontal health in pregnant women. To compare periodontal health, oral health knowledge and practices in different social classes during pregnancy. Methods and materials: A Cross-sectional study was carried out on 384 pregnant patients visiting gynea OPDs of Mercy, Kuwait, prime teaching hospitals and dental OPD of Peshawar dental hospital following inclusion and exclusion criteria and written consent was taken. Closed ended questionnaire was used consisting of 5 parts i-e age, trimester, oral health assessment (CPITN), oral health knowledge, oral hygiene practices and socioeconomic status. Results: Out of 384 patients 222 (57.8%) had healthy Periodontal status, followed by 75 (19.5%) having pocket depth between 3.5 to 5.5, calculus having 66 (17.2%), bleeding on probing were only 21 (5.5%) patients, whereas no patients were having pocket more than 5.5. 22(5.7%) had good oral health knowledge, 350 (91.1%) had satisfactory and 12 (3.1%) had poor oral health knowledge.