Prevalence of periodontitis in pregnant patients attending gynaecology department of government hospital, ahmedabad

Background: During pregnancy, progesterone & estrogen level increases, resulting in increased vascular permeability, gingival oedema, crevicular fluid level, prostaglandin production which may lead to gingival inflammation & render gingival tissues less resistant to inflammatory changes caused by bacteria. Objective: To evaluate prevalence of periodontitis in pregnant women. Method: The study included 924 women with low risk pregnancy of <32 weeks of gestation. Medical history was recorded which included the following parameters: Age, gestational age, smoking, alcohol consumption, systemic disease, Body mass index, halitosis & oral hygiene. On oral examination, Russell’s & Oral Hygiene Index-Simplified were recorded. The data was collected and statistically evaluated. Results: The prevalence of periodontitis was 43% and was associated with higher gestational age, increased maternal age, poor oral hygiene which was measured by OHI-S by Greene and Vermilion. Conclusion: The prevalence of Periodontitis is high in pregnant women and is associated with increased gingival bleeding on probing, advanced gestational age and obesity. A program of oral health care should be included in prenatal care for early pregnancy. Oral health during pregnancy is important to minimize possible undesirable perinatal results and to improve the quality of life and well-being of the expectant mother and her baby.