Oral health of pregnant females in central India: Knowledge, awareness, and present status

BACKGROUND: The oral health of pregnant females needs attention, especially in developing countries like India where oral checkup and care is not considered to be a part of mandatory antenatal protocols. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the oral health status of pregnant females in Central India including the assessment of their knowledge, attitude, and awareness about oral health. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study population comprised of 320 pregnant females, and a control group consisted of 103 age-matched nonpregnant females. A cross-sectional self-reported questionnaire-based survey and clinical examination was conducted. RESULTS: Out of 320, 192 (60%) pregnant females had some dental problem during pregnancy. Community periodontal index (CPI) score for total pregnant females (2.16) was significantly higher in comparison to control group (1.29). Nearly 72.81% of pregnant females had never attended the dentist. Trimester-wise comparison showed time-dependent increase in CPI score. Low educational status, older age, earlier issues, poor hygiene habits, and tobacco use showed a direct effect on compromised oral health. CONCLUSION: The study highlights the need of interaction between dental practitioners and gynecologists including routine dental checkup during antenatal visits of pregnant females as essential.