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Volume 1 Issue 2 July-Sept 2017

Original Articles

EXPECTING MOTHERS - HOW AWARE ARE YOU OF YOUR ORAL HEALTH?
Monica GS, Nabeesa SP, Breena RK, Ilango P

ABSTRACT Background and objectives: A lot of studies have shown poor oral health and periodontal diseases as a risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes. Considering the importance of dental health during pregnancy, this study was conducted to assess the knowledge and attitude of oral and dental health care among pregnant women in Chennai and Thiruvallur districts of Tamilnadu, India. Methods: The study was conducted among 1000 pregnant women in Chennai and Thiruvallur districts of Tamilnadu, through a pre-tested, structured and validated questionnaire. Knowledge and attitude were recorded on a scale, graduated in percentage. Results: Out of 1000 questionnaires delivered, only 19% of pregnant women were aware of dental care during pregnancy (p=0.004). Among these, majority were from urban area with good socio-economic status and had been educated on health awareness. Interpretations and conclusions: Dental awareness among pregnant women was very poor and only 19% of them had actually practised it. This raises serious concern since pregnant women may need extra oral care during pregnancy due to their susceptibility to periodontal diseases during the gestation, which may contribute to low birth-weight babies and preterm births or much worse, infection to the new born child. Key words: Dental check-up, Dental hygiene, Dental treatment, Periodontal problems, Pregnant women.

 
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