Oral Health Status and Literacy/Knowledge Amongst Pregnant Women in Shanghai

BACKGROUND: The changes in hormones, diet, and hygiene associated with pregnancy are associated with oral diseases. There is insufficient awareness of the importance of oral health during pregnancy. This study investigated the oral health status and knowledge amongst pregnant women in Shanghai. METHODS: This cross-sectional study enrolled pregnant women at the Shanghai Red House Obstetrics & Gynecology Hospital in December 2020. The Fourth National Oral Health Questionnaire was used to evaluate the oral health status. Decayed/missing/filled teeth (DMFT) were the sum of the number of decayed, missing due to caries, and filled teeth. The chi-square test and Kruskal–Wallis test were used to compare the groups. RESULTS: A total of 224 pregnant women were enrolled. The rates of dental caries were 69.8%, periodontal health was 1.8%, calculus detection was 95.6%, shallow periodontal pocket was 51.1%, deep periodontal pocket was 4.9%, regular oral examination was 22.8%, correct brushing was 49.6%, and prepregnancy oral examination was 20.1%. DMFT was 2.27, and the caries filling ratio was 45.4%. The number of missing teeth increased with age (P < .001). Only 26.3% used dental floss more than once a day, 47.3% rinsed the mouth more than twice a day, and 46.9% cleaned their tongue coating every week. In addition, 99% of the pregnant women agreed that “oral health was vital to their lives” and 97.7% agreed that “regular oral examination was necessary.” CONCLUSIONS: The oral health status amongst pregnant women in Shanghai was poor, but oral health awareness and attitudes were relatively high.