SOCIOECONOMIC VARIABLES INFLUENCING PERIODONTAL HEALTH AWARENESS AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN VISITING URBAN PRIMARY HEALTH CENTERS
Description
Background: Pregnancy causes many biological changes that may have an influence on the risk of periodontal inflammation and other oral health issues. Though poor periodontal health during pregnancy has been linked to adverse outcomes for both pregnant women and foetus, the level of awareness to seek preventive dental care among pregnant women remains low. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study investigated the awareness of oral health, and the use of dental services in a sample of 466 pregnant women aged 18 to 40 years who were visiting urban primary health centers and a private maternity hospital in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire that covered demographic information, pregnancy-related factors, oral hygiene practices, and knowledge about oral health during pregnancy. The information was analysed using SPSS version 26, and relationships between the variables were explored using Pearson’s chi-square test. Results: The results indicated that having sufficient educational qualifications did not align with proper awareness or practices related to oral health. A majority of participants mentioned that they brushed their teeth only once a day, used few additional oral hygiene products, and sought dental treatment primarily when symptoms arose. Most of them had not visited the dentist during their pregnancy and had not received any prior education on oral health. Many misconceptions existed, with numerous women lacking knowledge about how pregnancy affects oral health and the connection between oral health and overall well-being. The most commonly reported issues were gingival bleeding and dental sensitivity.
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Institutions
- Ragas Dental College & HospitalTamil Nadu, Chennai