Evaluation of oral and dental health in Turkish and refugee pregnant women

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective: Oral hygiene habits and demographic characteristics of refugees and Turkish citizens among pregnant women were investigated. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study, conducted at our university hospital, focused on pregnant women and collected data on demographic features and oral health characteristics. Information was gathered through a questionnaire administered to female patients at the dental clinic. Results: The study involved 197 volunteers and revealed that refugees tend to have more children than citizens of the Republic of Turkey. While 7% of women experienced positive changes in toothbrushing habits during pregnancy, 93% faced negative changes. Citizens of the Republic of Turkey exhibit significantly higher rates of going to the dentist for prepregnancy checkups compared to refugees (P < 0.05). No differences were observed between refugees and citizens regarding tooth loss or receiving dental treatment during pregnancy. Conclusions: Optimal oral hygiene, through collaboration between dentists and gynecologists, should be integrated into the prenatal care protocol. All pregnant women should receive invitations for oral and dental health screenings and undergo oral hygiene training before pregnancy. Dental and oral hygiene screening should be an essential component of the prenatal care protocol.