Year : 2020

Volume : Volume 11

Issue : Issue 2s

Address for correspondence :
Dr. Mayur Parmar.
drmayur.perio@gmail.com

Abstract

Background:  Many physiological conditions in women can bring some reversible changes in oral health. Puberty, pregnancy and menopause are the conditions which usually have an effect on the oral health of women. Pregnant women need more knowledge and awareness about the many changes that occur in the oral cavity during pregnancy. Present study was carried out for assessment of dental knowledge, practices and awareness about health problems encountered during pregnancy. Material and Methods: The present study was a questionnaire-based survey which was designed to assess dental knowledge, practices, awareness and health problems encountered during pregnancy among pregnant women in Gujarat state. The study sample consists of 100 participants. Personal data included information related to the patient's name, age, occupation, residential area. General questions which include daily oral health practices and the changes seen in gingiva during pregnancy. The questionnaire was prepared on google form and distributed to 100 pregnant women by mobile application.The data was collected, summarized and statistically analyzed. Results: Most of the respondents (58%) had poor knowledge and only 42% had good knowledge. while around 43% of the respondents had poor attitude and 57% had good Attitude regarding periodontal health. With regards to practice majority of the respondents had good practice while only 32% of the respondents had poor practice. Conclusion: Most pregnant women need more information about oral health, and prevention of gingival and periodontal diseases. Longitudinal studies are needed to assess the long-term effect of oral health education programs in maternity care centers on dental health knowledge and behavior of pregnant women.

Keywords: Knowledge, Oral health, Pregnant women, Questionnaire.