Oral disorders and oral hygiene habits in pregnancy: cognitive survey

OBJECTIVES The gestation period involves a series of changes in all maternal organs and systems, due to hormonal fluctuations that also affect the oral cavity, leading to possible development of diseases such as gingivitis, oral pregnancy tumor or periodontitis. Over the years, the positive correlation between poor oral health and adverse outcomes in pregnancy, such as fetal changes, low birth weight, preterm birth or preeclampsia, has also been highlighted. The purpose of this study is to analyze and understand the levels of knowledge and information of pregnant women about the possible repercussions that they may have on the oral cavity, caused by hormonal alterations. MATERIALS AND METHODS A questionnaire of 28 multiple choice questions was formulated and published online from 01/02/2020 to 31/08/2020, aimed at pregnant women and new mothers. The Google Forms platform was used to collect the data which were then statistically analyzed by creating crosstabs with multiple dependency variables. The questionnaire included some initial questions regarding demographics; the second part of the questionnaire focused on understanding the lifestyle of mothers; the last part instead investigated the awareness and knowledge of women's oral health and their oral hygiene habits, both at home and in the workplace, during pregnancy. RESULTS The study cohort was represented by 1191 women, whose responses first showed that about half were unaware of the predisposition to develop infections and periodontal problems during the gestation period. The same noticed bleeding and gum swelling during brushing and despite this, only 21% visited their dentist to resolve the situation. Furthermore, 88.2% of all women did not know that problems in the oral cavity can lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes. CONCLUSIONS The majority of women in our study cohort were unaware of the fact that they could have repercussions in the oral cavity due to hormonal imbalances, despite many of them suffering from gingivitis and gum inflammation. This means that communication between health professionals, from the gynecologist to the obstetrician, from the dentist to the hygienist, often presents major gaps: it is necessary to promote concrete oral prevention during pregnancy to allow women to become aware of the potential consequences in the oral cavity. Primary prevention is essential and must be implemented with the collaboration of the various professional figures who follow the woman during gestation. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Close collaboration between health professionals, especially dentists and dental hygienists, is necessary to promote a correct pregnancy. Making pregnant women aware that proper oral hygiene can have positive effects on pregnancy can improve the health of both mothers and fetuses.