AWARENESS AMONG GYNECOLOGISTS IN JAMNAGAR DISTRICT ABOUT PERIODONTAL HEALTH AND ITS CORRELATION TO ADVERSE PREGNANCY OUTCOMES - A CROSS –SECTIONAL QUESTIONNAIRE SURVEY.

Abstract

Introduction: Periodontitis is an inammatory disease of the soft and hard support tissues of tooth in response to the supra and subgingival microorganisms. In women with periodontitis, the infected periodontal tissues may act as reservoirs of bacteria and their products that can disseminate to the foetus-placental unit causing adverse pregnancy outcomes like preterm birth. This is a cross sectional survey carried out to Aim: access the level of knowledge, attitude, practice and awareness of Gynecologists in Jamnagar district regarding periodontal health and its correlation with adverse pregnancy outcomes. An online structured questionnaire had bee Materials and method: n made and was distributed through social media, responses were collected for a period of 3 months and the collected data were then subjected to statistical analysis. Result: Out of 64 participants, 44.88% of the gynecologists answered that regular screening of pregnant patients for periodontal disease is needed and 43.75% agree that dental treatment during pregnancy can reduce pregnancy complications. Only 65.63% were aware of the association between APO (adverse pregnancy outcomes) and periodontal disease. Collaborative treatment Conclusion: by gynaecologists and dentists help to improve the maternal oral health, reduce the postnatal complications and increases awareness among pregnant women regarding oral hygiene and regular dental check-up during pregnancy.