Affiliation:
1. Dentists, Dental Surgery Dr. Stephan Dornbusch, Bottrop,
Germany
2. Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Munster,
Munster, Germany
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction Periodontal disease affects many pregnant women and may be
associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. The object of this study was to
evaluate women’s level of knowledge about this condition in pregnancy.
We compared level of knowledge, participation in medical screening, and
periodontal health status in pregnant women and nonpregnant controls.
Material and Methods This study included 141 pregnant and 141 nonpregnant
women, examined by one examiner at the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics
of the University Hospital Muenster, Germany. With reference to periodontal
health status, the Periodontal Screening Index was used and a questionnaire was
designed to represent the level of knowledge and predisposing factors.
Results Pregnant women showed a strong tendency towards higher Periodontal
Screening Indices than the nonpregnant controls (P=0.058). A strong
positive correlation between participation in screenings and a lower Periodontal
Screening Index was measured, but no direct relation between knowledge and
periodontal health was detected. However, a better level of knowledge correlated
noticeably with participation in screening programs. Educational attainment was
found to be a main factor correlated with periodontal health and further factors
such as medical screening and smoking habits. A great number of women felt they
were not sufficiently informed about oral health aspects in pregnancy.
Conclusions As participation in screenings was a main item that positively
correlated with healthier periodontal status, it had to be a focused element.
The possible positive influence of knowledge regarding the participation in
screening programs showed not only the need to spread awareness but also the
need for proper education.
Subject
Maternity and Midwifery,Obstetrics and Gynecology,Pediatrics, Perinatology and Child Health