Year : 2017

Volume : Volume 7

Issue : Issue 2

Address for correspondence :
Dr. Madhu S. Ratre
smadhu16feb@yahoo.co.in

Abstract

Background:  The increase in prevalence of periodontal diseases during pregnancy is well known fact. The literature also suggests strong association between adverse pregnancy outcomes and periodontal diseases. Therefore knowledge and awareness among pregnant females (PF) is very important for improved pregnancy outcome. Present study has been planned to evaluate awareness and knowledge of pregnant females to assess barriers for dental treatment during pregnancy.  Material and Methods: A self-administered questionnaire based, cross-sectional survey was conducted among PF. A total of 400 pregnant females participated in the study. The demographic data like age, education and family income was noted for PF. The questionnaire contains 3 sections. In first section oral complaint in detail was asked. The second section contains questions about the oral hygiene practice and knowledge. Awareness and attitude about oral health was assessed in the third section.  Results: There is lack of awareness and knowledge in PF regarding oral health during pregnancy and effect of periodontal diseases on pregnancy outcome. We found a significant association between education and family income of PF and lack of dental treatment.  Conclusions: We found a positive attitude among all the participants but lack of knowledge and awareness among PF. Dentist should participate actively to increase awareness among pregnant females.

Keywords: Awareness, oral health, periodontal disease, pregnancy, pregnancy outcome.