Assessment of Oral Health Awareness and Practices in Pregnant Females

Background: Oral tissues are known to be affected by the hormonal influences during pregnancy. The present study was conducted to assess oral health awareness and practices in pregnant females. Materials & Methods: 158 pregnant females were proved with a questionnaire which included questions regarding oral hygiene, their oral health status, visit to the dentist, and barriers in seeking treatment. Results: Age group 18-34 years had 60 and >35 years had 98. Parity was primipara in 56 and multipara in102. Period of gestation was first trimester in 26, second trimester in 60 and third trimester in 72 subjects. Common complaints were bleeding gums in 60, cavity in 25, pain in14, bad breadth in 30, sensitivity in12 and gingival enlargement in 40 patients. Last visit to dentist was last week in 25, 1 month in 45, 6 months in 88. Barrier in seeking dental treatment was dental cost in 52, time constraints in 40, oral health not seen as priority in 25 and advised by others not to take treatment in 41. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Conclusion: Pregnant females had poor oral hygiene and practice. Hence there is need to educate them through counselling.