Oral Health Knowledge and Self Care Practices of the Pregnant Women in Chennai City Padmalochini Sudharsan, Arthi Balasubramaniam

Abstract

Introduction: Good oral hygiene during pregnancy improves the oral health of the pregnant woman and the foetus.  The proper knowledge and good practice on oral health measures of the mother will help in inculcating the same to their children.  This study aims to assess the knowledge of oral health and self care practices of pregnant women.

Materials and Methods: 108 pregnant women of 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimesters visiting private and public gynecology hospitals were involved in this cross- sectional study. A Self structured, pre-validated questionnaire was distributed among the subjects. Statistical analysis was performed in SPSS software version- 23. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed.

Results: The results showed that about 53.7% and 17.6% of the educated and uneducated participants felt sugar diets will damage teeth. Also, 62.9% and 28.7% of educated and uneducated women perceived dental treatments are safe during pregnancy. Among the participants 8.3% and 10.2% of educated and uneducated felt scaling will not cause teeth loss. About 26.9% and only 10.2% of educated and uneducated participants brush their teeth twice daily. A significant association of education and oral health behaviors was elucidated (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Educated pregnant women have comparatively good oral health knowledge and practices than uneducated pregnant women. However, their oral health beliefs and behaviours need to be modified by creating awareness.