DOI: 10.36347/sajb.2014.v02i09.014

Pages: 627-632

The objective of the study was to assess women’s knowledge and attitude towards oral and dental health during pregnancy and to examine their self-care practices in relation to oral and dental health. This was a hospital base analytical study conducted in the Mahatma Gandhi Dental College and Hospital and Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, S. M. S. Medical College, Jaipur. The study group was comprised of 400 pregnant women attending the ANC clinic. Following written consent, a self-administered questionnaire assessed level of oral health knowledge, attitude and practices of pregnant women. Data were analyzed statistically. Mean age of women was 25.1 ± 4.3 years. Majority of the women were Hindu, illiterate, para 1 or 2 and from urban area. 83% believed that regular visit to dentist is necessary. Tooth ache was the driving factor for their dental visit for 27.7% women. 42.5% women brushed their teeth twice a day. 94.3% cleaned their tooth by toothbrush and toothpaste. About 25% used mouthwash, floss and toothpick as part of their oral hygiene. Only 22% pregnant women believed that pregnancy predisposes to dental or gum problems. 40.5.5% women were of the opinion that every painful tooth should be removed. In conclusion, this study highlights important gaps in dental knowledge and practices related to oral and dental healthcare among pregnant women. More intense dental health education, including oral health promotion in maternal child health centers can lead to improved oral and dental health, and ultimately pregnancy outcomes.