Report of pregnant women concerning the occurrence of oral alterations and changes in their diets and oral hygiene habits

Abstract

This study had the objective to assess the knowledge and occurrence of oral alterations, reported by pregnant women, and to investigate the changes in their diets and oral hygiene habits during the gestational period. Eighty pregnant women were interviewed in Maringá–PR, using a questionnaire with 64 questions. The results obtained demonstrated that 45% of pregnant women reported oral alterations, being the periodontal alteration the one mostly cited. Only 50% of the sample said having any knowledge about gingivitis and 80% did not know how to prevent it. In relation to dental caries, 48.75% thought it was normal to acquire the condition during the gestation. Brushing frequency decreased in 27.5% while feeding frequency increased (77.5%), especially sugars, increasing the risk of caries. The occurrence of regurgitation was 62.5%, taking place especially in the first quarter. It was concluded that educational and preventive measures are needed to better see to the pregnant women oral health needs.