Awareness of Oral Health Care among Pregnant Women During Pregnancy

Authors

  • Harshada Ragunathan
  • Krithika C
  • Kowsalya. M
  • Kreethika. S
  • Krithika. L
  • Manju J

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37506/ijfmt.v15i2.14293

Keywords:

Pregnancy, Oral Health Care, Awareness, Dentist, Self-Medication.

Abstract

Background: Pregnancy is a unique phase of women’s life where it is associated with physiological changes.
Poor oral hygiene maintenance and inadequate care for oral health have an impact and noticeable postnatal
effects on the infants. There is only a minimal knowledge among pregnant women regarding oral health care
during pregnancy.
Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among 74 pregnant women. As the study
was conducted during the pandemic time, a web-based questionnaire in Google forms was framed. The
questionnaire was sent through various social media platforms and answers were collected and sent for
statistical analysis.
Results: The responses were statistically analysed by SPSS software Version 18.0. Majority of the
participants lacked knowledge about the facts that pregnancy increases existing dental problems and selfmedications without physician’s prescription during pregnancy are not advisable.
Conclusion: Increased hormonal secretion and fetal growth induce several systemic, as well as local
physiologic and physical changes in a pregnant woman. During this period pregnant women should always
take good care of her oral and systemic health. This not only improves the mother’s overall health but also
prevents associated problems in the fetus. Adequate knowledge by creating awareness about oral health and
oral hygiene maintenance will prevent pregnant women from dental complications.

Author Biographies

  • Harshada Ragunathan

    Senior lecturer, Department of oral Medicine and Radiology, Thai Moogambigai Dental College and Hospital, DR
    MGR Educational and Research Institute, Chennai

  • Krithika C

    Professor and Head of the department, Department of oral
    Medicine and Radiology, Thai Moogambigai Dental college and Hospital, DR MGR Educational and Research
    Institute, Chennai

  • Kowsalya. M

    Junior Resident, Thai Moogambigai Dental college and Hospital, DR MGR Educational and
    Research Institute, Chennai

  • Kreethika. S

    Junior Resident, Thai Moogambigai Dental college and Hospital, DR MGR Educational and
    Research Institute, Chennai

  • Krithika. L

    Junior Resident, Thai Moogambigai Dental college and Hospital, DR MGR Educational and
    Research Institute, Chennai

  • Manju J

    Senior Lecturer, Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Thai Moogambigai
    Dental College and Hospital, DR MGR Educational and Research Institute, Chennai

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Published

2021-03-24

How to Cite

Awareness of Oral Health Care among Pregnant Women During Pregnancy. (2021). Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, 15(2), 144-149. https://doi.org/10.37506/ijfmt.v15i2.14293