Oral Health In Pregnancy Research Articles

Assessment of women’s needs and wishes regarding interprofessional guidance on oral health in pregnancy – a qualitative study

BackgroundPoor oral and dental health due to oral dysbiosis during pregnancy increases the risk for negative pregnancy outcomes. Communicating the importance of oral health is therefore essential in reducing the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Professional guidance could substantially support women’s positive perception of their own competence. Information on oral health should be provided by healthcare professionals such as midwives, obstetricians and dentists. The aim of this study was to assess the needs, wishes and preferences of pregnant women in Germany, regarding interprofessional collaboration and guidance on oral health during pregnancy.MethodsSources of information, preferences regarding information supply as well as the need for interprofessional collaboration of involved healthcare professions were investigated in six online focus groups with pregnant women. In addition, three expert interviews with a midwife, an obstetrician and a dentist were conducted. The focus groups and interviews were analysed using qualitative content analysis according to Kuckartz.Results25 pregnant women participated in focus groups. Pregnant women in all trimesters, aged 23 to 38 years, were included. Many women did not receive any or received insufficient information on oral health during pregnancy and wished for more consistent and written information from all involved healthcare providers. The extent of oral health counselling women received, heavily relied on their personal initiative and many would have appreciated learning about the scientific connection between oral health and pregnancy outcomes. An overall uncertainty about the timing and safety of a dental visit during pregnancy was identified. Interviews with experts provided additional insights into the working conditions of the involved healthcare professionals in counselling and emphasised the need for improved training on oral health during pregnancy in their respective professional education as well as thematic billing options in relation to this topic.ConclusionGuidance of women on oral health during pregnancy appears to be insufficient. Providing information adapted to the needs, wishes and preferences of women during pregnancy as well as the implementation of this topic in the education of involved healthcare professionals could contribute to an improved prenatal care for pregnant women and subsequently a reduced risk of negative pregnancy outcomes.

Pregnant women's attitudes and knowledge about oral health

Background: Good oral health of pregnant women is important for their own health and the health of the fetus and can reduce the risk of complications in pregnancy. The development of early childhood caries is associated with the transfer of bacteria from the mother's oral cavity, and there is a need to promote oral health during pregnancy and the perinatal period. Aim: This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate attitudes and knowledge regarding oral health and infant oral health among pregnant women. Materials and methods: The study involved 130 pregnant women in the Republic of North Macedonia who completed an anonymous online questionnaire (Google Forms) from January to June 2022. The questionnaire was divided into three parts. The first part contained questions about the general demographic data of the respondents and their own experience with oral health in pregnancy. The second part was related to the knowledge of the relationship between oral health and pregnancy. The third section consisted of questions related to knowledge about the oral health of children at the earliest age. The results were analyzed with descriptive statistics. Results: The study involved 130 pregnant 19 to 42-year-old women. The women are most informed about oral health in pregnancy from their dentists (30.8 %), but least from doctors of family medicine (3.1%). In pregnancy, gingival bleeding was observed by 60.8 % of respondents, and tooth mobility by 22.3 %. The chi-square test found that there was a difference in attitude regarding the age at which they should stop breastfeeding between respondents who had their first pregnancy and those who already had children (Chi-square value =13.216, p = 0.004, p < 0.05). Only 20.5 % of respondents are aware that breastfeeding can cause tooth decay. Linear regression analysis showed that pregnant women's knowledge about the association between pregnancy and periodontal diseases is statistically significantly positively associated with their gynecologist's advice to visit a dentist (β = 1.282, p ≤ 0.001). In addition, pregnant women's knowledge about children's oral health is statistically significantly negatively associated with women already having children (β = -0.693, p = 0.043). Conclusion: Pregnant women in the Republic of North Macedonia do not have sufficient knowledge, and they are neither aware of the importance of oral health during pregnancy nor infant oral health.

Perspectives and Practices of Gynecologist’s about Prenatal Oral Health and Association Between Periodontal Disease and Adverse Birth Outcomes

OBJECTIVE: Prenatal oral health has garnered growing attention due to its potential impact on maternal and fetal well-being. Thus, this study seeks to investigate gynecologists' perspectives and practices related to prenatal oral health care while concurrently examining the association between periodontal disease and adverse birth outcomes, shedding light on the comprehensive significance of oral health during pregnancy and its potential implications for maternal-fetal health. METHODOLOGY:A quantitative cross-sectional study based on questionnaire was performed targeting consultant gynecologists in all district hospitals of city Karachi. The responses were computed by SPSS. Descriptive statistics with frequencies were computed and Chi-square was used to find out the associations between different variables RESULTS:Half of the gynecologists (55%) reported that they never asked nor documented their patient's last dental visit before commencing prenatal care. About 38% stated that they sometimes referred their patients to dental practitioners. Approximately 27% of the gynecologists admitted to not knowing the association between periodontal diseases and adverse birth outcomes. Statistically significant associations were observed between work experience and knowledge about gingivitis in pregnancy (p-value 0.012) as well as periodontitis with adverse birth outcomes (p-value 0.019). CONCLUSIONS: Health professionals appeared to lack caution when it came to the oral health of their patients, despite possessing a good understanding of the oral-systemic connection during pregnancy. Prenatal care providers should consider developing inter professional relationships and promptly referring their patients for dental assessments KEYWORDS: Prenatal care, Oral Health in Pregnancy, Periodontal diseases, Adverse outcomes of pregnancy, Awareness about oral health

Oral health in pregnancy

The changes during pregnancy are of vital importance to maintain an optimal state of health in the mother and proper development for the fetus, however, some of these physiological, hormonal and dietary changes present in pregnancy, have an influence on the oral condition and in turn can alter and increase the risk of developing any oral disease or otherwise accelerate the evolution of any of them. Currently, scientific literature mentions a possible association between diseases and inflammatory conditions present in the oral cavity and the physiological state of pregnancy. Specifically, periodontal diseases such as gingivitis of pregnancy that can have a prevalence ranging from 35 to 100 %, periodontitis that occurs in a lower percentage, but is considerable and ranges from 30 to 40 % and granuloma of pregnancy occupying a prevalence of 1 to 5 %, which have the ability to influence conditions that are associated with pregnancy, such as eclampsia, preeclampsia, diabetes and gestational diabetes. The purpose of this article is to provide information on the complexity of maintaining oral health during this crucial stage of pregnancy and how they can influence both positively and negatively one with the other, as well as the most common diseases in this period and thus can share this information on the importance of maintaining oral health properly in the period of pregnancy.

How much do pregnant women know about the importance of oral health in pregnancy? Questionnaire-based survey

BackgroundAlthough pregnancy is a physiological process it causes hormonal changes that can also affect the oral cavity. Pregnancy increases the risk of gum disease inflammation and tooth caries which could affect the health of the developing baby. Proper oral health is crucial both for mother and her babies and is related with mothers’ awareness of this connection. The aim of this study was the self-assessment of women’s both oral health and oral health literacy as well as mothers’ awareness of the connection of oral health and pregnancy.Material and methodsIn the study anonymous questionnaire was prepared and provided to be filled in by 200 mothers at the age from 19 to 44 y.o. who gave birth in the gynecological clinic. The questionnaire included demographic, and concerning the areas of oral health before and during pregnancy and after the childbirth questions.ResultsOnly 20% of the investigated women underwent the oral examination before the pregnancy and the next 38.5% underwent it intentionally when the pregnancy had been confirmed. As much as 24% of women pointed out lack of awareness of the importance of proper oral hygiene during pregnancy.41.5% of investigated women declared complaints during the pregnancy concerning teeth or gums and 30.5% underwent dental treatment; 68%, brushed their teeth properly—twice a day; 32% of women observed deterioration of oral health state during the pregnancy. The knowledge of the importance of oral health during pregnancy presented by the majority of mothers was relatively proper, which was strongly connected with higher education status and living in big cities. A significant correlation between higher birth weight and more frequent daily tooth brushing was observed. Both higher frequency of problems concerning the oral cavity and dental treatment during pregnancy were significantly related to the younger age of mothers.ConclusionsThe knowledge of women concerning of oral health on the management of pregnancy and development of fetus is still insufficient. Gynecologists should inquire pregnant women if they have done dental examination, and provide wider education about importance of oral health in pregnancy.

Prevalence and factors associated with dental anxiety among pregnant women seeking care at a tertiary care dental institution in Sri Lanka

To determine the prevalence and factors associated with dental anxiety among pregnant women seeking care at the Preventive Oral Health Unit, Institute of Oral Health, Maharagama, Sri Lanka. The participants of this descriptive cross-sectional study were 402 pregnant women seeking care at the Institute of Oral Health, Maharagama for the first time. A validated Sri Lankan version of the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) was used to measure dental anxiety and an interviewer-administered questionnaire collected information about demographics, dental service utilization, knowledge, and the importance of oral health during pregnancy. The prevalence of dental anxiety was 61.7% and the mean MDAS score in the dentally anxious and not anxious were 13.4±3.8 and 9.20 ± 1.7 respectively. According to the binary multiple logistic regression model current employment status, household income, dental care seeking pattern, having had a negative experience during a previous visit to a dentist,poor awareness about the importance of oral health in pregnancy, not receiving oral health instructions from health care providers during pregnancy, the perception that oral care should be avoided during pregnancy were independently associated with dental anxiety. The prevalence of dental anxiety was high among this sample of pregnant women.

Iranian Women and Health Care Providers' Perception of Oral Health in Pregnancy: A Qualitative Research.

Periodontal diseases during pregnancy are associated with adverse outcomes. This study aimed to explain the perception of healthcare providers and pregnant women about oral health during pregnancy. This qualitative study was conducted with the approach of conventional content analysis in health centers of Hamadan, Iran, in 2020. To collect the data, semi-structured in-depth interviews with sixteen pregnant women and eight healthcare providers (gynecologist, midwife, and dentist) were used. Pregnant women with a singleton fetus, lack of chronic diseases and complications of pregnancy, willingness to participate in the study, and the ability to communicate properly were included in the study. Sampling was done purposefully with maximum variety. Data analysis accomplished according to the proposed steps by Graneheim and Lundman using MAXQDA 10 software. "Belief in the importance of oral health in pregnancy," "Lack of a coherent structure for oral care," "Accepting the negative effect of pregnancy on oral health," and "The dilemma of treatment and non-treatment in pregnancy" were four categories extracted from the data. The theme of "Ignoring the mother for the fetus" was obtained as the main theme of the present study. The findings suggest that although mothers and healthcare providers have recognized the importance of oral health in pregnancy, underlying factors in society have led them to understand the mother's oral health should be neglected because of the fetus. This perception can have a negative impact on their behavior, performance, and the oral health of mothers.

Knowledge and Practices of Oral Health Status among Pregnant Women Attending Liaquat University Hospital Jamshoro

Background: Pregnant women's oral health behaviors and attitudes are infrequently studied in low-income countries, but they should be taken into account when developing preventive or therapeutic research to lessen the load of oral illnesses.
 Objective: To assess the knowledge and practices of oral health in pregnant women attending Oral diagnosis outpatient department OPD of Liaquat university hospital Jamshoro.
 Subject and Methods: A total of 150 patients were included in the study. Data was collected by providing questionnaire to pregnant women who attended OPD for their antenatal check up. Socidemographic findings, questions related to participant’s knowledge regarding oral health and practices adopted were recorded.
 Results: Most of the patients, 49.3% were in age range of 26 to 35 years with the majority of them being housewives. A total of 48% were illiterate followed by 24.6% who had only just primary education. Around 51.3% have the good habit of brushing twice a day. Only 37.3% had knowledge about nutritional implications in pregnancy, and 34% visit dentist once in six months.
 Conclusion: The majority of patients has little or average knowledge regarding oral health in pregnancy.

Oil-based vitamin E oral spray for oral health in pregnancy.

Aim:To assess the efficacy of vitamin E oral spray in pregnancy.Materials & methods:This was a retrospective study aimed to evaluate efficacy of vitamin E oral spray (vitamin E acetate in a medium chain tryglicerides vehicle – patented formulation) starting from the first trimester of pregnancy, with a control group.Results:A total of 100 women were included in the study and were compared with a matched control group. Only 25/200 women reported to have at least one teeth cleaning during pregnancy. Women who received the oral spray had a significantly lower risk of preterm birth compared with the control group, and lower risk of periodontal diseases.Conclusion:Use of oil-based vitamin E oral spray in pregnancy is associated with a decreased risk of periodontal diseases and therefore preterm birth.

Attitudes and knowledge of pregnant women about oral health.

BACKGROUND:This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate attitudes and knowledge regarding oral health and infant oral health among pregnant women.MATERIALS AND METHODS:The study involved 325 pregnant women in the Republic of Croatia who completed an anonymous online questionnaire (Google forms) from January to June 2019. The questionnaire was divided into three parts. The first part contained questions about the demographic data experience about oral health in pregnancy. The second part was related to the knowledge of the relationship between oral health and pregnancy. The third section consisted of questions related to knowledge about the oral health of children at the earliest age. The results were analyzed with descriptive statistics, Spearman correlation analysis, and Chi-square test.RESULTS:The women are mostly informed about oral health in pregnancy from their dentists (53.54%) and least from their general doctors (4%). In pregnancy, gingival bleeding was observed by 52.31% of respondents and tooth mobility by 12.31%. The Chi-square test found that there was a difference in attitude regarding the age at which they should stop breastfeeding between respondents who had their first pregnancy and those who already had children. Only 9.23% of respondents are aware that breastfeeding can cause tooth decay.CONCLUSION:Pregnant women in the Republic of Croatia do not have sufficient knowledge, and they are neither aware of the importance of oral health during pregnancy nor infant oral health.

Preventive oral health care for mitigating the COVID-19 induced adverse maternal outcomes: View point from Sri Lanka on opportunities in crisis

Pregnancy marks a unique milestone in woman’s life cycle enriched with an array of physical, psychological, social and even spiritual needs. In this context, an optimal level of oral health status has become fundamental to overall health and well-being of a pregnant woman. This is evident more than ever before, for preventing exacerbation of poor oral health in pregnancy, possible control of adverse pregnancy outcomes whilst ensuring low risk for early childhood dental caries for the offspring. Nevertheless, pregnancy renders special oral health needs for a woman compounded by changes in dietary habits, oral hygiene practices and hormonal changes thereby increasing the risk of dental caries and periodontitis. The possible link between Periodontitis and adverse outcomes in pregnancy is well known. The pandemic caused by acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) compounded by emergence more virulent strains not only indelibly impacted on population, countries, economies and health systems across the globe but exposed vulnerable population groups to pervasive health catastrophes. There is accumulating concerns on periodontitis linking with severe complications of Covid-19 attributed to commonalities of exacerbated inflammatory responses. Moreover, adverse Covid-19 induced maternal and fetal outcomes has garnered attention of researchers based on the previous knowledge indicating adverse outcomes attributed to epidemics of human corona viruses. However, it is not known how maternal oral hygiene status and burden of periodontitis impact on Covid-19 induced adverse outcomes in pregnancy. However, it could be rational to argue that poor oral health of a pregnant woman could elevate her risks for adverse health outcomes. Oral health care in pregnancy has received recognition as an essential element of comprehensive antenatal health care provision. However, the persistent global public health emergency of Covid-19 has profoundly impacted on availability of and accessibility to routine oral health care services. Therefore, accessing routine oral health care services poses serious causes for concern among pregnant women. Against this backdrop, present opinion attempts to explore and expound the potential of preventive oral health care could offer to mitigate the potential risks of Covid-19 induced adverse maternal outcomes embracing the context of Sri Lanka: a developing lower middle-income country.

Pregnant women utilization of dental services: still a challenge in low resource setting

BackgroundPoor oral health in pregnancy can be associated with poor pregnancy outcome, however, dental consultation among pregnant women appears to be low.MethodsThis was a questionnaire-based study of 413 women who attended the antenatal clinic of University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku/Ozalla, Enugu. The information obtained was analyzed using SPSS version 22. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsOnly 36 (8.7%) of the respondents had dental consultations in index pregnancy for complaints such as tooth ache and decay (66.7%) and pain as well as swelling of the gum (33.3%). The most common reason given for not visiting a dentist during the index pregnancy was the visit not being relevant to their pregnancy outcome (69.2%). After counseling them, only 249 (60.3%) agreed to have dental consultation during subsequent pregnancies. The relationship between visiting the dentist and place of residence (< 0.001), occupation (0.019) and frequency of brushing/ changing of brush (0.005, < 0.001 respectively) were statistically significant.ConclusionThe prevalence of dental consultation during pregnancy is very low. Pregnant women should be encouraged to have routine dental consultation with oral health counseling and check-up incorporated as part of routine antenatal care.

Oral Health Awareness and Practices among Pregnant Women Receiving Antenatal Care in a Low Resource Setting: A Cross- sectional Study of Antenatal Attendees in Enugu, Southeastern Nigeria

Introduction: Poor oral health status in pregnant women is known to be associated with poor outcomes in pregnancies. Despite this, the oral health status of pregnant women has been grossly overlooked during antenatal period. Aim: To determine the awareness and practices of oral health among pregnant women in Enugu, Southeastern Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional questionnaire based study of 413 women who attended the antenatal clinic of University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku/Ozalla from January 2018 to May 2018. An interviewer administered semi-structured questionnaire which was pretested before the commencement of the study was used. The information obtained was analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0. A p-value of &lt;0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 350 (84.75%) of the respondents used toothbrush and toothpaste for oral cleaning, 229 (55.45%) brushed at least twice a day while 258 (62.5%) changed their brushes every three months. Only 161 (39%) of the respondents knew that pregnancy can affect oral health while 101 (24.5%) of the respondents knew that poor oral health in pregnancy could have adverse effects on the unborn child; of whom only 30 (29.70%) got the information from their Obstetricians. Conclusion: There were knowledge gaps in the oral health of pregnant women in Enugu southeastern Nigeria. It is therefore important to provide oral health education for pregnant women during antenatal period in order to improve the health of the mother and her baby.

Healthcare providers and the oral health of the mother and the unborn child.

One of the main information channels on oral health during pregnancy is direct and regular contact with obstetricians and gynecologists, who are the health professionals that future mothers consult most often during pregnancy. Thus, it would be desirable to promote information campaigns on dental topics aimed at women, starting with pre- and post-partum courses, to prepare them for the changes of the perinatal period. In recent years, health professionals have increasingly focused on maternal health during pregnancy. In a survey conducted in the United States just over ten years ago on a large sample of obstetrician-gynecologists, most respondents recognised the importance of pregnancy care. However, 77% of respondents had not advised the patients to undergo dental checkups, and 73% seldom asked the patients whether they had seen a dentist in the past 12 months [Morgan, 2009]. In light of these discouraging findings, in 2012 the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Dental Academy devised appropriate guidelines [OHRC, 2012]: It would be desirable to promote similar initiatives globally, and we ask our readers to report to us the current status in their own country. Regarding Italy, the recent partnership between the European Federation of Periodontology and the Italian Society of Periodontology has made it possible to offer a wealth of useful information, accessible online, aimed at professionals and expectant mothers as an aid to achieve optimal oral health in pregnancy [EFP and SIdP, 2017]. Thanks to the compliance and the positive attitude of future mothers, as a result of the support of healthcare professionals and widespread dissemination, it is now possible to reduce the incidence of both pregnancy-related and childhood diseases. We are well aware that the paediatric dentist is often consulted too late, in the presence, for instance, of advanced carious lesions. Therefore it is crucial for general and paediatric dentists to inform future mothers on the critical issues that may arise during pregnancy and the first years of their child's life, and to provide them a set of instructions, starting with basic notions such as the recommended frequency of brushing and the correct use of fluorinated toothpastes. Finally, it would be useful to promote programmes that are aimed at evaluating the patients' knowledge about aspects such as prevention and oral health. This would aid in identifying any weaknesses in the current prevention strategies, and help health professionals implement targeted projects supported by both the private sector and the national health system in order to include all the information required to achieve true primary prevention.

Oral Health Care in Pregnancy, ACOG Fellow Perspectives [27N

INTRODUCTION: The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology recommends routine oral health care during pregnancy. Despite this recommendation, many pregnant women do not receive routine dental care. The reasons for discordance are complex. This study, conducted in conjunction with the ACOG District XII Committee on Healthcare of Underserved Women, surveyed ACOG District XII Fellows regarding their perceptions of factors that impact oral health care in pregnancy. METHODS: Between May and October 2019, ACOG District XII Fellows were asked to participate in an anonymous electronic survey on their practices regarding oral health in pregnancy. IRB approval was obtained. Descriptive statistics were estimated using SPSS (V25). RESULTS: 107 ACOG Fellows completed this survey. Twenty-one percent of Fellows reported receiving education/training related to oral health in pregnancy. Less than half (48%) of Fellows reported asking oral health screening questions, 60% recommend that women undergo routine dental cleaning, and 65% reported counseling patients on the importance of oral health in pregnancy. Seventeen percent (17%) reported insufficient clinic time and 17% of Fellows reported lack of accepting dentists as reasons for not discussing oral health during prenatal care. However, 55% of Fellows reported patients would easily find an accepting dentist. CONCLUSION: District XII ACOG Fellows acknowledge the importance of routine oral health care in pregnancy. However, they perceive barriers to recommending care such as limited clinic time and patient access. Offering oral health education during provider training could improve screening rates and counseling. Additionally, increasing access to dental care could improve overall oral health in pregnant women.

Knowledge and Attitude of Midwifery Students on Oral Health Care.

Midwifery students can have an important role in transferring oral health care information to expecting mothers. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of an educational intervention on knowledge and attitudes of midwifery students on oral health in pregnancy. Study population consisted of 60 midwifery students in a Midwifery School in Iran who were randomly allocated into case and control groups. Self-administered questionnaires were distributed before, immediately after the intervention and also three months later. The validity and reliability of the questionnaire was confirmed at the beginning. Mean total pre-test knowledge scores from total 10 in the interventional and control groups were 4.63 ± 0.25 (Standard Error, SE) and 4.79 ± 0.31 (SE) respectively. After three months scores reached to 8.87 ± 0.15 (SE) in the interventional and 5.57 ± 0.29 (SE) in the control groups. Mean attitude pre-test scores in the interventional group was 27.23 ± 0.75 (SE) and after the intervention reached to 31.13 ± 0.25 (SE). Lecture-based educational intervention improved the knowledge and attitudes of midwifery students on oral health care in pregnancy. Incorporating courses on oral health in pregnancy into the curricula of midwifery programs can be effective in promoting oral health care in pregnant women.

Importance of Oral Health in Pregnancy: A Mini-symposium

Background:It is known that hormonal imbalances during pregnancy make women more susceptible to dental problems. High levels of progesterone and estrogen during pregnancy, lead to an increased inflammatory response to dental plaque thus causing predisposing to gum diseases such as gingivitis. If untreated, gingivitis leads to chronic periodontitis which may manifest systemically in form of cardiovascular, endocrine or even respiratory disorders. Also, hyperacidity in the oral cavity due to gastric reflux and vomiting leads to decreased pH thus damaging the tooth enamel making the oral cavity more prone to tooth decay and tooth loss. Studies also show that periodontal disease can also lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes such as pre-term and low birth weight babies.Objectives:We sought to understand the role of oral health in pregnancy.Methods:We identified major articles of interest in the field of oral health in pregnancy and drafted a mini-symposium based on relevant information.Conclusion:Regular dental visits and cognizant efforts to sustain a healthy oral environment can help women in the prevention and treatment of dental issues during pregnancy. The paper highlights the common oral manifestations during pregnancy and their local and systemic impact on the body during pregnancy. Furthermore, it also emphasizes the importance of good oral health practices to counteract the oral complications and the significance of oral health awareness in pregnant women.

Oral health awareness and practices in pregnant females: A hospital-based observational study.

Background:The aim of this study was to assess the oral health awareness, methods adopted to maintain hygiene, prevalent myths regarding oral health in pregnancy, and importance of oral health during pregnancy, to help formulate oral health program for pregnant females in partaking hospital.Materials and Methods:A total of 225 pregnant females participated in the study. After complete demographic assessment of participants, a questionnaire was provided to them. Questionnaire included simple multiple choice questions on how they maintained oral hygiene, their oral health status, visit to the dentist, and barriers in seeking treatment. This was followed by a questionnaire regarding common myths and understanding of the importance of oral health during pregnancy which had three choices: true, false, and do not know. The results were expressed in percentages, and one sample t-test for percentages was applied where ever required.Results:Majority of participants self-reported some form of oral health problems with bleeding gums as a chief complaint leading the survey. Around half of the participants had never visited a dentist, and an abundant number of pregnant females reported safety concerns for developing the child as a reason for not taking any treatment during pregnancy. A highly significant number of participants were unaware of the importance of oral health during pregnancy and believed in age-old myths.Conclusion:The oral health care still remains on the backseat in care provided to pregnant female. A complete overhaul of understanding through individual, family, and community counseling is required to spread awareness.

Is poor periodontal oral health in pregnancy a risk factor for spontaneous abortion or stillbirth?

Is poor periodontal oral health in pregnancy a risk factor for spontaneous abortion or stillbirth?

Process evaluation of the midwifery initiated oral health-dental service program: Perceptions of midwives in Greater Western Sydney, Australia

BackgroundDespite links between poor maternal oral health, adverse pregnancy outcomes and early childhood decay there is limited emphasis on maternal oral health in Australia. To address this, the Midwifery Initiated Oral Health Dental Service (MIOH-DS) program was developed in collaboration with the Australian College of Midwives. AimsTo undertake a process evaluation and explore perceptions of midwives involved in the MIOH-DS program to determine its practicability, acceptability and feasibility if it were to be up-scaled and implemented into clinical practice. MethodsQualitative content analysis was undertaken on data from three focus groups with 21 midwives. FindingsMidwives generally found the MIOH-DS to be acceptable and feasible with potential for widespread scalability. The trust women had in midwives was an important factor in gaining women’s attention about oral health in pregnancy. The program assisted in increasing midwives’ knowledge and awareness, though some felt it was outside their scope of practice. The oral health assessment tool was acceptable to midwives but some concerns were expressed about undertaking a visual oral inspection. Most midwives stated they were now confident with referring individuals to a dentist. Significant barriers to widespread implementation included the cost of dental care and the continued lack of awareness and misconceptions pregnant women had towards oral health. ConclusionMidwives found the MIOH-DS to be acceptable and feasible which are two important barriers to potential implementation at scale. Misconceptions over the importance of oral health by women and cost of accessing dental services still need resolving.