Knowledge, Awareness and Adverse Effect of Poor Oral Health and Periodontal Status in Pregnant Women - An Evaluative Study.

BACKGROUND: During pregnancy, an interim increase in estrogen and progesterone levels is found responsible for the enhanced frequency and intensity of gingival inflammation. The risk of various complications such as an increase in preterm low birth weight and preeclampsia raises a serious concern about the knowledge and awareness of pregnant women regarding periodontal health. AIM: To evaluate periodontal status and assess knowledge and awareness of poor oral health and its effect among pregnant women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 240 pregnant women underwent a questionnaire and observational evaluation. Socioeconomic demographic data based on the revised Kuppuswamy Socioeconomic Status Scale, age, gender, and medical & dental history were recorded using structural proforma. The Community Periodontal Index and Treatment Need (CPITN) index was used to evaluate the periodontal status of pregnant women in different trimesters. RESULT: A statistically significant association was observed between the CPITN score and trimesters. Out of 50 subjects with a CPITN score of 2, 46.0% were in the third trimester. On the evaluation of 240 subjects, 63.3% visited the dentist when a problem arose and 57.5% used interdental aids. Also, 45.4% of pregnant women encountered oral health problems during pregnancy. Furthermore, 81.3% of pregnant women were unaware of the adverse effects of poor oral health on a growing fetus. CONCLUSION: In the current study, it has been discovered that only a small percentage of pregnant women are conscious of their periodontal health and that their beliefs vary depending on their degree of education. When compared to the first trimester, the patients in the third trimester have impaired periodontal conditions.