Knowledge, attitude and awareness of oral health practices of pregnant women in patiala: a cross sectional study

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge attitude and awareness of oral health practices of pregnant women of Patiala. Materials and methods: The study population comprised of 100 pregnant women and 100 same aged non pregnant women. Data related to knowledge, attitude and awareness of oral health practice assessed through self-structured questionnaire administered among 100 pregnant women. Clinical examination was conducted among both pregnant and non-pregnant women. Results: 69 % of pregnant women faced dental problem during their pregnancy. Bleeding from gum was the most prevalent problem faced by pregnant women (51%). 54% pregnant women complained that their dental problem caused interference with regular eating habit. Statistical Analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS STATISTICS (version 22.0). Mean OHIS score of pregnant women was 3.12 ±.55, while non-pregnant women was 1.9±.49. The difference was statistically highly significant (p value <.05). OHIS score was increased from 1st trimester to 3rd trimester. (Mean OHIS score of pregnant women of 1st, 2nd, 3rd was 2.8±.47, 3.11±.41, 3.3±.59). The difference was also statistically significant (p value ˂.05) Conclusion: This study concluded the knowledge among pregnant women about the importance of practicing the oral hygiene practice in pregnancy is less. Hence routine dental checkup should be included in the antenatal care for pregnant women.