Perinatal Oral Health Research Articles

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices among gynecologists regarding oral health of expectant mothers and infants in Bhubaneswar City, Odisha.

Early intervention is aimed at preventing or mitigating common pediatric oral diseases and conditions while initiating a relationship between the mother, the child, and the dental caregiver. Every expectant mother should receive oral health education and risk assessment. There are a number of reports that showed the association between oral diseases and preterm, low birth weight, and gestational diabetes. The purpose of this study is to understand the attitude and knowledge regarding prenatal as well as infant oral health care among gynecologists in the medical colleges in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India. The study involved a survey involving gynecologists in medical colleges in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. A pretested questionnaire was provided to all the gynecologists (21) working in the medical colleges in Bhubaneswar regarding prenatal and perinatal oral health care. The study gave an idea that most gynecologists working in a medical college in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India, had adequate knowledge regarding oral health of expectant mothers, but lack in knowledge when it comes to imparting knowledge on infants' health care. There is an adequate knowledge among the gynecologists about oral health of expectant mothers and infants, but still, there is a need of a multidisciplinary collaboration among gynecologists, pediatricians, and pediatric dentists to prevent the dental diseases rather than treating them.

Implementing perinatal and infant oral health care program in private practice-10 year experience in private hospital in Shanghai

Implementing perinatal and infant oral health care program in private practice-10 year experience in private hospital in Shanghai

Knowledge, attitude and practises of dentists towards oral health care during pregnancy: A cross sectional survey in New South Wales, Australia.

Studies internationally show a lack of consensus among dentists regarding perinatal oral health yet no study in Australia has explored the perceptions of dentists in this area. This study aims to determine the knowledge, perceptions and practises of dentists in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, about perinatal oral health. An online survey was distributed to 1357 members of the Australian Dental Association (NSW) and 185 (13.4%) completed surveys were returned. Most dentists (99%) stated that pregnant women should receive a dental check, yet only 20% agreed that there was a good understanding among health professionals on this topic. Dentists were aware of safe dental practises during pregnancy but had limited knowledge about the association between periodontal disease and birth outcomes. Dentists were more likely to advise pregnant women to delay dental visits when there was a perceived lack of knowledge of the risks involved (odds ratio, 2.157) or were concerned about providing treatment without consent from their general practitioner (odds ratio, 2.449). Most dentists (95.7%) stated that they wanted further information about dental care during pregnancy. Findings suggest a need for continuing education for dentists and practise guidelines on perinatal oral health. Further research with a national sample is recommended to confirm these findings.

Pregnant Patient Knowledge and Behavior Regarding Perinatal Oral Health.

Objective Perinatal oral health is important to obstetric practice, with significant implications for maternal, fetal, and infant health. This study sought to describe and compare knowledge and behavior related to perinatal oral health in two distinct populations of pregnant women. Methods An anonymous 13-question survey was distributed at two patient centers (urban teaching clinics and suburban referral center), examining patient knowledge and behaviors pertaining to oral health. Descriptive statistics were tabulated. Groups were compared using Fisher's exact test for categorical variables, with Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons. Results Total 262 surveys were completed. Suburban patients more often reported "good" oral health and having visited a dentist within 6 months. Both groups had similar misconceptions regarding oral health and pregnancy. Few identified the relationship between poor oral health and adverse pregnancy outcomes. A minority identified routine dental interventions as safe in pregnancy. Many patients practiced risky behaviors that could worsen oral health and increase risk of childhood caries in their progeny. Conclusion These data highlight that poor patient knowledge and understanding of perinatal oral health appear to cross demographic boundaries. This presents an opportunity for patient education that may help improve the health status of these individuals and their children.

Obstetric provider approach to perinatal oral health

Objective: To examine the practices and attitudes of obstetric providers in the state of Michigan on their approach to perinatal oral health.Methods: An online survey was distributed using health care provider databases in the state of Michigan. Descriptive statistics were tabulated and Fisher's Exact Test was used for categorical variables.Results: There were 146 respondents, 80 obstetrician-gynecologist (OB/GYN) and 66 certified nurse midwife (CNM) providers. Eighty percent acknowledged that perinatal oral health is an important consideration for optimal prenatal care, while only 53% reported having questions specific to oral health on their intake documents. Only 35% discussed oral health, 29% performed an oral cavity exam and 42% recommended oral health assessment by a dentist. CNMs were more likely than OB/GYNs to discuss the importance of oral health (48% versus 24%, (p <.05)) and recommend a formal dental assessment (61% versus 26% (p<.05)). These findings demonstrate a dichotomy of care in that obstetric providers recognize the importance of oral health care in pregnancy, but only a minority routinely incorporates these surveillance practices.Conclusion: These data highlight a gap in obstetric services that needs attention through specific educational initiatives and further research endeavors that address health care provider practice and patient barriers.

29: Pregnant patient knowledge, behavior, and attitude regarding perinatal oral health

29: Pregnant patient knowledge, behavior, and attitude regarding perinatal oral health

Obstetric Provider Approach to Perinatal Oral Health [120

INTRODUCTION: Perinatal oral health is a critical component to obstetric practice with significant implications for maternal, fetal, and infant health. To better understand this relationship, we undertook a survey of obstetric providers to examine their approach to perinatal oral health. METHODS: An online survey of knowledge, attitudes, and practices was sent using health care provider databases in the state of Michigan. Descriptive statistics were tabulated and Fisher's exact test was used for categorical variables. RESULTS: There were a total of 146 respondents, 80 obstetrician–gynecologists and 66 certified nurse midwife providers. Eighty-five percent of providers (117/137) acknowledged that perinatal oral health is an important consideration for optimal prenatal care, whereas only 53% (78/146) reported having questions specific to oral health on their intake documents. During prenatal care, 36% (51/140) regularly discuss oral health, 30% (42/140) routinely perform an oral cavity examination, and 44% (61/138) consistently recommend oral health assessment by a dentist. Certified nurse midwife providers were more likely than obstetrics and gynecology providers to routinely discuss the importance of oral health in prenatal care, 50% compared with 24%, respectively (P<.05). CONCLUSION: These findings demonstrate a dichotomy of care in that obstetric providers recognize the importance of oral health care in pregnancy, but only a minority routinely incorporates these practices. These data highlight a significant gap in obstetric services that needs attention through specific educational initiatives and further research endeavors that address health care provider, practice, and patient barriers.

Impact of perinatal oral health care education programme on the knowledge, attitude and practice behavior amongst gynaecologists of Vadodara City.

Gynecologists the Primary Health Care providers, for pregnant mothers bear the unique responsibility to detect and diagnose oral health problems for timely and effective interventions. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of Perinatal Oral Health Care (POHC) education program on the knowledge, attitude and practice behavior amongst Gynaecologists of Vadodara City. An analytical cross sectional study was conducted amongst Gynecologists practicing in Vadodara city, registered under Indian Medical Association (IMA), Baroda, Gujarat. A validated questionnaire survey was conducted to establish a baseline level of knowledge, attitude and practice behavior of 46 Gynecologists. After that education and awareness regarding POHC to Gynecologists was provided with the help of flip charts and resource brochures. To determine the impact of recent provision of education and awareness a post-test was conducted. Data was analyzed by paired t-test using the SPSS Version 20. The results after evaluating the data from pretest and posttest showed a mean increase of correct answers in knowledge (from 7.304-9.891; P = 0.00), Attitude (from 3.978-4.108; P = 0.49) and practice behavior (from 4.130-5.521; P = 0.00) in POHC amongst Gynecologists following the education program. It can be concluded that there is a need for provision of education and awareness to the primary health care providers which would help in improving pregnant women and infant's oral health status along with establishment of dental home.

Resident obstetricians' awareness of the oral health component in management of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy.

BackgroundNausea and vomiting are common in early pregnancy in 50-90% of pregnant women and resolves in all but 10% of these women. Many obstetricians encounter this problem and should be familiar with the probable outcomes, current treatment options and oral health component of its management. This study assessed the awareness of obstetrics residents of the oral health component of management of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy.MethodsThis study was carried out among resident doctors in Obstetrics and Gynaecology in Nigeria. A pre-tested, self-administered questionnaire was used for the data collection. The data collected were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 17.0. Non parametric analysis in the form of chi square was carried out to test for statistical significance with P value <0.05 considered statistically significant.ResultsA total of 200 questionnaires were administered while 186 were filled and returned, giving a response rate of 93%, comprising 21.5% senior residents and 78.5% junior residents. Most of the respondents agreed that oral health is important in pregnancy. A majority (58%) also thought that oral health complaints in pregnancy were not normal. Fifty-seven percent of the respondents neither assessed teeth and gums of pregnant women for problems during ante-natal care nor educated them on care that would improve their oral health. Majority (95.7%) of the respondents assisted pregnant women with dealing with nausea and vomiting but were not aware of the oral health component of its management.ConclusionOral health component in the management of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy has been largely neglected in obstetric care. It is pertinent that ante-natal health care providers receive adequate education on perinatal oral health care.

The oral health status, practices and knowledge of pregnant women in south‐western Sydney

Current evidence highlights the importance of oral health during pregnancy. However, little is known about the oral health of pregnant women in Australia. The aim of this study was to report the oral health status, knowledge and practices of pregnant women in south-western Sydney. A cross-sectional survey of 241 pregnant women attending a large hospital in south-western Sydney. More than half (59.3%) reported dental problems during pregnancy, less than a third (30.5%) saw a dentist in the last six months, only 10% had received any information about perinatal oral health and many (>50%) were unaware of the potential impact of poor maternal oral health on pregnancy and infant outcomes. Analysis revealed a significant difference (<0.05) in the uptake of dental services among pregnant women who had higher household incomes, private health insurance, received information about perinatal oral health and knowledge about maternal oral health. The participants reported significant barriers to obtaining dental care including limited access to affordable dental services and lack of awareness about the importance of maternal oral health. The findings suggest the need for preventive strategies involving dentists and antenatal providers to improve maternal oral health in Australia.

Minimal intervention dentistry: part 3. Paediatric dental care – prevention and management protocols using caries risk assessment for infants and young children

Recent increases in caries prevalence in young children throughout the world highlight the need for a simple but effective infant oral care programme. This programme needs to include a medical disease prevention management model with an early establishment of a dental home and a treatment approach based on individual patient risk. This article presents an updated approach with practical forms and tools based on the principles of caries management by risk assessment, CAMBRA. This method will aid the general practitioner to develop and maintain a comprehensive protocol adequate for infant and young children oral care visits. Perinatal oral health is vitally important in preventing early childhood caries (ECC) in young children. Providing dental treatment to expectant mothers and their young children in a 'dual parallel track' is an effective innovative strategy and an efficient practice builder. It promotes prevention rather than intervention, and this may be the best way to achieve long-lasting oral health for young patients. General dental practice can adopt easy protocols that will promote early preventive visits and anticipatory guidance/counselling rather than waiting for the need for restorative treatment.

How Do Dental and Prenatal Care Practitioners Perceive Dental Care During Pregnancy? Current Evidence and Implications

Poor maternal oral health may be associated with adverse pregnancy and infant outcomes. However, women seldom seek dental care during pregnancy, and misconceptions by prenatal care practitioners about oral health care during pregnancy may contribute to the problem. The aim of this study was to review current knowledge, attitudes, and behavior of dental and prenatal care practitioners about oral health care during pregnancy. This review examined all studies published in English that explored the knowledge, attitude, behavior, and barriers faced by dentists, general practitioners, midwives, and obstetricians/gynecologists with respect to oral health care during pregnancy. Despite acknowledging the importance of maternal oral health, many dentists are uncertain about the safety of dental procedures and are hesitant in treating pregnant women. General practitioners and midwives are poorly informed about the impact of poor maternal oral health and rarely initiate this topic during prenatal care. Many general practitioners also believe that dental procedures are unsafe during pregnancy. Obstetricians/gynecologists are well informed about perinatal oral health and are supportive of dental procedures, but because of lack of training in this area and competing health demands they seldom focus on oral health care during their prenatal care. No real consensus exists among dentists and prenatal care practitioners with respect to oral health care during pregnancy. This issue poses a significant deterrent for pregnant women seeking dental care. Practice guidelines in perinatal oral health are needed for health professionals to emphasize this important aspect of prenatal care.

Development of an Online Education Program for Midwives in Australia to Improve Perinatal Oral Health

It is recommended that all pregnant women should receive a comprehensive oral health evaluation because poor maternal oral health may affect pregnancy outcomes and the general health of the woman and her baby. Midwives are well placed to provide dental health advice and referral. However, in Australia, little emphasis has been placed on the educational needs of midwives to undertake this role. This article outlines the development of an online education program designed to improve midwives' dental health knowledge, prepare them to assess the oral health of women, refer when required, and provide appropriate dental education to women and their families. The program consists of reading and visual material to assist with the oral health assessment process and includes competency testing.

Application of the Perinatal Oral Health Guidelines in Clinical Practice

While dental treatment during pregnancy is safe, pregnant women go to the dentist less frequently than women who are not pregnant. Practical strategies to reduce barriers to care based on the guidelines are presented. Collaboration with perinatal providers is critical to refer pregnant women into dental care. Recommendations regarding timing of care, treatment sequence, and patient positioning will help providers deliver care. Practical implementation of the guidelines can increase access to dental care for pregnant women and improve the oral health of the pregnant woman and her child.

Presenting Evidence-Based Perinatal Oral Health Guidelines for Practitioners

Presenting Evidence-Based Perinatal Oral Health Guidelines for Practitioners