Oral Mucosal Disorders in Pregnant versus Non-Pregnant Women

Fahimeh Rezazadeh,Mohammad Shahbazi,Zahra Sarraf,Neda Falsafi

doi:10.3390/dj2040134

Fahimeh Rezazadeh, Mohammad Shahbazi + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/dj2040134

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Abstract

The effects of pregnancy on the Oral Mucosa Disorder (OMD) have been sporadically documented in some developed countries. Less known is the status of OMD during pregnancy in less developed/developing countries. Iran is no exception. This study assesses the prevalence of OMD in 200 pregnant women and compares the findings with the findings from a 200 non-pregnant woman of similar age distribution in Iran. The participants had been referred to a clinic to receive reproductive age-related services. Participants suffering from systemic chronic diseases, those on medications/drugs, smokers, needing biopsies, and those with urgent Oral Mucosal Lesion (OML) treatments were excluded from the study. Oral mucosal of all 400 participants were examined. The participants’ age ranges were from 17 to 47; with the average age of 33.14 for one group; and 30.23 for the other group. Both groups had the same level of formal education. Out of 400 examined women; 62 had lesions, including 47 pregnant (23.5%); and 15 non-pregnant (7.5%) women. This result shows that the OMD rate of occurrence was significantly higher among the pregnant women. Higher OML prevalence in pregnant women, as compared to the non-pregnant women, indicates the importance of timely oral examination of pregnant women and subsequent treatment plans for them.

Highlights

Pregnancy is an important milestone in women’s life
This result shows that the Oral Mucosa Disorder (OMD) rate of occurrence was significantly higher among the pregnant women
Given the existing gap in literature and the lack of specific studies on Oral Mucosal Lesion (OML), this study reports the finding of a comparative evaluation of the prevalence of OMD in pregnant and non-pregnant women

Summary

Introduction

Complex physiological and hormonal changes take place during the pregnancy. The pregnancy itself is not the reason for these changes. The metabolic changes of tissues and increased immune system responses to the local and etiological factors are the cause for such changes [1,2]. Oral mucosa, which is a specialized type of tissue that lines the mouth, is supposed to protect the body from infections and debris. The protective line in the mouth is affected by various disorders. Oral mucosal changes, during pregnancy, have been subject of interest for years; the causes of these changes are not well documented [3,4]. Different oral and dental complications are reported during the pregnancy. The majority of changes observed are the gingivitis and pregnancy tumor [3]

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