Survey of medical doctors' attitudes and knowledge of the association between oral health and pregnancy outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: The study was designed to assess the views and knowledge of healthcare providers in general medicine and other specialties on the association between oral health and pregnancy outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two hundred and fifty physicians practicing in northern Jordan hospitals and healthcare centers were asked to complete a questionnaire. Completed questionnaires with the answers were returned completed by 197 participants (response rate was 79%). RESULTS: The majority of the physicians (81%) agreed that pregnancy increases the tendency to have gingival inflammation. However, 88% of doctors advised delay dental treatment until after pregnancy. Only half (54%) thought that tooth and gums problem can affect the outcomes of pregnancy. Moreover, approximately 50% agreed with the possible association between oral health and pregnancy outcomes. Altogether, 52% agreed with the statement 'a tooth for a baby' and 57% believed that calcium will be drawn by the developing baby. If asked to advise patient to visit dentist during pregnancy, 50% said they would do so. Moreover, the majority (68%) did not advise women planning to become pregnant to include a periodontal evaluation as part of their prenatal care. About 32% felt that periodontal disease can be treated safely during pregnancy with a procedure called scaling and root planning. Reading the information in a book, magazine or pamphlet was useful and reliable information about preterm births and periodontal disease. Physicians do not routinely advise their patient to seek dental care during pregnancy. General practitioners were less informed about oral health practices on pregnant women. Issues on training need to be addressed. A public health campaign is required to educate healthcare providers to encourage pregnant women on the need for a regular dental check-up during and prior to attempting pregnancy. CONCLUSION: There is a need to educate healthcare personnel further about oral health and pregnancy outcomes.

Periodontal disease awareness among pregnant women and its relationship with socio-demographic variables.

Certain conditions may have an affect on gingival status and may aggravate pre-existing disease, especially in persons with poor oral hygiene. Pregnancy is one of these conditions. In addition, there is evidence in the literature suggesting an association between periodontal diseases in pregnant women and giving birth to premature, low-birth infants. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the degree of periodontal health knowledge, and awareness, among pregnant women in Jordan. This was carried out by cross-sectional survey using self-administered, structured questionnaires distributed at six maternity care centres in Irbid City. Questionnaire items addressed personal and socio-demographic variables and periodontal health awareness and knowledge of pregnant women. Women (n = 300) were randomly chosen from attendants to these centres. Of the 300 questionnaires distributed, only 275 pregnant women ages 16-45 years with a mean of 29 year responded and were included in the study. Data were analysed by chi-squared test with the level of significance set at (P < 0.05). About one-third of the participants had secondary level of education; it appeared that a minority of the pregnant women had knowledge or ability to identify dental plaque (16.4%) and its harmful effects (22.5%), while most of them (88%) were aware that bleeding gums indicated the presence of periodontal disease. The differences in the responses to knowledge questions were only significant for question number one (What is plaque?) among different educational levels and groups. This study revealed that (71.6%) of the pregnant women knew the main cause of gum disease; however 56% of them do not believe that frequency of teeth brushing should be increased during pregnancy and only 5.1% believed there might be a relationship between gum diseases and premature labour. Knowledge and awareness for pregnant women about their teeth and gingival condition is generally poor. Pregnant women need accurate information about their teeth and oral health. Simple educational preventive programmes on oral self-care and disease prevention before and during pregnancy should be provided to improve oral health.