Prevalence of orofacial pain in pregnant women: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Pregnancy is a special time in woman's life, during this period, they are highly vulnerable for oral changes which would cause orofacial pain. Although the orofacial pain is invariably noticed, their basic data on prevalence and its characteristics has not been evaluated so far. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of orofacial pain and its characteristics in pregnancy. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 100 pregnant women to assess the prevalence orofacial pain and its characteristics. Questionnaire regarding sociodemographics, orofacial pain prevalence and severity were administered. Data were collected and analyzed. Results: Thirty-three percent reported to have orofacial pain. Most participants were aged 20–34 years. Majority (73%) of respondents were completed secondary School and 74% were homemakers. Large number of participants were belong to lower middle (28%), poor (26%), and below poverty line (21%). In regard to stages of pregnancy, 36% of participants were in second trimester, followed by third trimester (33%) and first trimester (31%). Majority (47%) of patient experienced tooth pain due to hot/cold liquids. Spontaneous burning sensation from tongue and oral mucosa was noticed in 8%. Most of the pregnant women suffered from acute pain (65%). With regard to frequency of pain, 31% of pregnant women get 4–5 episodes of pain weekly, which is followed by once a week (27%), and daily pain in (23%). Duration of pain lasts for Conclusion: Results draws an insight into baseline data on the prevalence orofacial pain and its characteristics. During pregnancy pain was high and the presence of tooth pain was dominant.