ORAL HEALTH;

ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE OF PREGNANT FEMALES REGARDING THEIR ORAL HEALTH STATUS AND ITS COMPLICATIONS ON FETUS

Abstract

Introduction: Pregnancy is a high risk factor not only for the mother but for the fetus as well. Certain oral changes especially bleeding gums, loosening of teeth, bad breath altered taste etc  occurs secondary to factors like hormonal changes, lack of oral hygiene maintenance, diet, failure to visit dentist despite of having problems. Now a day along with that some other serious issues like low birth weight, pre-term labour, pre- eclampsia and certain oral infections have also been noticed. A study was conducted to evaluate the knowledge of pregnant patients regarding their oral health status, issues and the complications reported to the fetus so that necessary measures could be taken in addition to antenatal care for the health and benefit of mother and the fetus. Objectives: Assess the general and oral health status of expectant mothers along with their knowledge regarding the associated complications to fetus. Study Design: Random cross - sectional study design. Setting: Isra University Hospital. Period: August 2017 to January 2018. Methodology: A self-administered questionnaire was used to assess the general and oral health status of expectant mothers along with their knowledge regarding the associated complications to fetus. Collected data was statistically analysed by using spss version 17. Conclusion: This study provided an invaluable awareness regarding knowledge of pregnant females. Majority of them were poorly educated, did not know even about simple methods of oral hygiene maintenance, refused to visit dentists rather of having problems and above all were completely unaware about the possible risks and hazards to their baby secondary to oral health issues. Thus it was felt deemed necessary to aware and educate expectant mothers regarding routine oral checkup during antenatal period.