Awareness of Systemic Manifestations and Oral Infections during Pregnancy among Women in Riyadh , Saudi Arabia

Shahd S. AlZahrani 2 , Waad R. Al-Amri 2 , (BDS) 1 Associate Professor, Department of Oral Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Dentistry, King Saud University Riyadh ,Saudi Arabia. 2 Dental Interns, College of Dentistry, King Saud Universit, Riyadh ,Saudi Arabia Correspondence to: Dr. Kawkab M.A. Al-Turck, Associate Professor, Department of Oral Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Dentistry, P.O. Box 5967 , Riyadh 11432, King Saud University, KSA. Corresponding Author: Kawkab M.A. AL-Turck __________________________________________________________________________________________ Abstract: The objective of this study was to assess the awareness among married women on the effects' of systemic changes and oral infections on pregnancy status in Riyadh , Saudi Arabia. A questionnaire was prepared online by Google Forms containing the following three sections; 1. demographic data, 2. knowledge regarding systemic changes and oral infections’ effects on pregnancy outcome, and 3. dental treatment and myths during conception. A rating scale format was applied with agree, don't agree, and do not know options. The questionnaire was distributed through social media networks targeting married women across Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A total of (491) women in Riyadh area responded to the questionnaire, with 60.3% acquiring Bachelor’s degree and 40.4 % were among 25 to 34 years of age. Among the sample, 45.2% reported acquired health complications during pregnancy. Anemia, gestational diabetes, and preterm delivery were most reported in 33.9%, 27.9% and 24.3%, respectively. They recognized the risk of gestational diabetes (p = 0.025) , anemia ( p = 0.047), and for the increased iron demand during pregnancy (p= 0.012). 65% of respondents lack the knowledge on the effect of hypertension on fetus growth and death . More than half of the sample did not recognize periodontitis as a risk factor for low birth weight or fetus death. More than 2/3 acknowledge that linking tooth loss with pregnancy is a myth (p = 0.000). Yet, 63.1 % owed that to calcium withdraw from mother teeth to supply fetus demand (p = 0.293). More than 70 % knew that pregnancy will not cause hypersensitivity of teeth , and that dental radiographs are not safe in the first 3 months (p= 0.041), as well as ibuprofen is not a safe analgesic. Around 65% agreed on that pregnant women can be treated in a dental clinic (p = 0.032). A considerable portion of the sample were confused about the safety of dental local anesthesia , and that pregnancy may cause a swollen gum requiring surgical removal.