Relationship between Oral Health Knowledge and Maternal Oral Health with Obstetric Risk and Breastfeeding

Oral health-related knowledge, practice, and utilization of dental services among pregnant women in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

BACKGROUND

Promoting and maintaining appropriate oral hygiene practices in pregnant women is recommended as an integral component of prenatal care to ensure healthy pregnancies and positive birth outcomes. This study aimed to assess the oral health-related knowledge, practices, and utilization of dental services among pregnant women in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey of 1120 pregnant women was conducted in both government and private maternal hospitals from October 2022 to January 2023. A self-administered questionnaire was developed and validated, comprising 37 closed-ended questions. Data analysis involved descriptive analysis, Kruskal-Wallis test, and Spearman correlation coefficient. Multiple linear and multivariable logistic regression analyses were carried out using socio-demographic variables as predictors for knowledge, practices, and utilization of dental services. Level of significance was set at P ≤  0.05.

RESULTS

Majority (37.2%) of the pregnant women were in the 30-34 years age group. The majority had limited oral health knowledge (59.7% very poor, 23.8% poor), and 66.4% had poor oral health practices. Dental service utilization was suboptimal, with 39.6% never seeking dental care during pregnancy. A positive correlation was seen among knowledge, practices, and utilization of dental services. Multiple linear regression revealed that both knowledge and practices scores were significantly associated with education and occupation; and utilization scores with occupation.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights the need for enhancing oral health knowledge, practices, and utilization of dental services among pregnant women in Riyadh. Bridging knowledge and access gaps can enhance the oral and overall health outcomes of mothers and their infants.

Fluoride Levels in Saliva After the Application of Fluoride Varnishes in a Preventive Oral Health Program in Pregnant Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

PURPOSE

Gestation is a time in women's lives when many physiological changes occur that have systemic and oral repercussions, especially in the periodontium. The aim of the study is to determine the oral health status, plaque index, oral health related quality of life, and concentration of fluoride in saliva, after the application of fluorinated varnishes, of pregnant women participating in a preventive oral health program.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A randomized clinical trial was carried out on pregnant patients involved in an oral health program. Data was collected on socio-demographic aspects, hygiene habits, beliefs, epidemiological indexes such as Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT); International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS); Community Periodontal Index (CPI); Caries Management by Risk Assessment (CAMBRA); and the Oral Health Related Quality of Life Index (OHIP-14). Three reviews were carried out during the gestation period (Day 1, 15, and 30). The fluoride varnishes applied in the study were Clinpro White Varnish, Profluorid Varnish, and MI Varnish.

RESULTS

A total of 89 women were evaluated. Most patients were Spanish and married, with a mean age of 34.3. The mean DMFT was 7.2 (± 4.51), the plaque index was 52%, and there was a low risk of caries. A poorer quality of life was linked to an increased risk of caries, high DMFT values, high ICDAS codes, and high plaque index. The concentration of fluoride in saliva immediately after the application with MI Varnish reaches values of fluor concentration 238.51 ± 151.87 much higher than the other varnishes (p < 0.05); however, after 30 days the values were reduced without significant differences for the three study groups Clinpro White Varnish (0.21 ± 0.29), MI Varnish (0.34 ± 0.34) and Profluorid Varnish (0.16 ± 0.07).

CONCLUSION

In general, pregnant women had good oral health, which improved after participating in the program, and good oral quality of life, with a negative influence due to caries lesions and plaque. In all study groups concentration values dropped to baseline 15 and 30 days after the application of fluoride.

Caries Experience before and after COVID-19 Restrictions: An Observational Study

Background: The declaration of COVID-19 as a pandemic by the World Health Organization in 2020 led to the suspension of several clinical practices globally, including dentistry. This study investigates the impact of these restrictions on dental caries experience. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at Egas Moniz University's dental hospital in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area from June 2019 to June 2021. The study involved 3380 participants who were divided into two cohorts: after and before COVID-19 restrictions. Data collection included a questionnaire, full-mouth clinical examinations, and radiographs (panoramic X-rays, bitewings). Results: Before the COVID-19 restrictions, the prevalence of dental caries was 91.8%, with an average DMFT (decayed, missing, and filled teeth) index of 12.13. Post-restrictions, the prevalence decreased to 84.5%, with a DMFT index of 10.99. There was an increase in missing teeth and a decrease in decayed and filled teeth. Additionally, the frequency of toothbrushing declined among participants. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic restrictions have significantly impacted dental caries experiences and oral health, highlighting a decrease in dental caries, but also a concerning reduction in oral hygiene practices. These results emphasize the importance of customized dental healthcare during public health emergencies to reduce impacts and maintain oral health.