Knowledge, Attitude, Oral Hygiene Practices And Experience Of Oral And Periodontal Health Among Pregnant Females - A Cross Sectionals Study

Abstract

Introduction: Dental Health is influenced in pregnancy due to hormonal fluctuation. Pregnant women have been shown to have a higher incidence of gingival inflammation than non-pregnant women. The high estrogen levels in pregnant woman is always responsible for periodontal inflammation, edema, high sensitivity and a tendency to bleed easily, and can cause pre-existing gingivitis to worsen considerably if plaque is not removed. To our knowledge very few Indian studies addressing the extent of pregnant women’s knowledge regarding the associations between oral health and pregnancy outcome have been published. Therefore, the aim of the study is to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, oral hygiene practices and self-perception of oral and periodontal health among pregnant women’s in and around Pune city.

Aim and Objectives: This questionnaire based cross sectional study was aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, oral hygiene practices and experience of oral and periodontal health among pregnant females and its Correlate demographic status, Knowledge, attitude, oral hygiene practices and experience of oral and periodontal health among pregnant females.

Methodology: A pre-validated questionnaire based on knowledge, attitude, oral hygiene practices and experience of oral and periodontal health was circulated to 340 participants.

Conclusion: Study provided basic and important dental health knowledge, attitude, oral hygiene practices and experience of oral and periodontal health among pregnant females based in Pune and surrounding. More awareness programs and dental check-up camps should be conducted to improve their concern about oral and dental health and finely pregnancy outcomes.