Treatment Perception and Utilization of Dental Care During Pregnancy Among Women Visiting Antenatal Clinics in King Abdulaziz Medical City & Primary Healthcare, National Guard, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Objectives To identify how readily accessible dental care is to a sample of pregnant women in King Abdulaziz Medical City (KAMC), Jeddah, and to determine any potential obstacles to receiving dental care while pregnant. Methodology Female patients visiting antenatal clinics in KAMC in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia were the target group for this cross-sectional study. The age range was limited to childbearing age (18-48 years old). Both pregnant and non-pregnant women were established in obstetrics and gynecology clinics. The pattern of dental service use and attitude toward dental treatment during pregnancy were assessed using a self-administered questionnaire. Other data were gathered, such as demographics, education, employment status, and the number of live births. Results This study included 361 participants in the survey with an 80% response rate. A large proportion of participants was in the age group of 19 to 35 years old (75.07%; p-value < 0.0001), holding undergraduate degrees (58.17%; p-value < 0.0001), housewives (77.56%; p-value < 0.0001), married (99.45%; p-value < 0.0001), non-pregnant women (75.07%; p-value < 0.0001), and have three or more children (42.94%; p-value < 0.0001). About two-thirds of the participants reported using private hospitals for their dental services (65.37%; p-value < 0.0001), while 22.03% (p-value < 0.0001) of the participants reported visiting a dentist in the last six months and 7.2% (p-value < 0.0001) visited a dentist during pregnancy. In terms of awareness questions, 72.02% (p-value < 0.0001) reported that if the mother did not eat well, the baby takes calcium from the mother's teeth, 43.77% (p-value < 0.0001) reported brushing teeth at least three times a day, and 42.94% (p-value < 0.0001) of women reported that they do not have an idea about what they need to do if a pregnant woman needs treatment that requires taking X-rays. Similar patterns were observed in other awareness answers. Conclusion Based on the study's findings, there is a significantly low rate of dental care utilization in the sample of pregnant women. We conclude that educated women are more likely to maintain good oral hygiene and are more satisfied with their oral health. However, a large proportion of participants reported dental problems during their pregnancy. In general, a lack of knowledge about the safety of dental care during pregnancy is the main obstacle to seeking dental care. Limitations The selected sample was from antenatal clinics in KAMC & Primary Healthcare, National Guard, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. As a result, the findings of this study cannot be applied to the total female population of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Because the information was self-reported, which is a common issue with self-administered questionnaires, and because participation in the study was voluntary and participant confidentiality was maintained, there is a low chance that the data may be subject to recall or response bias.