Download PDF
Am J Perinatol 2017; 34(07): 663-667
DOI: 10.1055/s-0036-1597134
Original Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Pregnant Patient Knowledge and Behavior Regarding Perinatal Oral Health

Bernard Gonik
1   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
,
Eline Wilson
2   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Southern California Permanente Group, Pasadena, California
,
Melanie Mayberry
3   Department of Oral Health and Integrated Care, University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry, Detroit, Michigan
,
Bushra Yuki Joarder
4   Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

13 April 2016

27 October 2016

Publication Date:
07 December 2016 (online)

    Permissions and Reprints

Abstract

Objective Perinatal oral health is important to obstetric practice, with significant implications for maternal, fetal, and infant health. This study sought to describe and compare knowledge and behavior related to perinatal oral health in two distinct populations of pregnant women.

Methods An anonymous 13-question survey was distributed at two patient centers (urban teaching clinics and suburban referral center), examining patient knowledge and behaviors pertaining to oral health. Descriptive statistics were tabulated. Groups were compared using Fisher's exact test for categorical variables, with Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons.

Results Total 262 surveys were completed. Suburban patients more often reported “good” oral health and having visited a dentist within 6 months. Both groups had similar misconceptions regarding oral health and pregnancy. Few identified the relationship between poor oral health and adverse pregnancy outcomes. A minority identified routine dental interventions as safe in pregnancy. Many patients practiced risky behaviors that could worsen oral health and increase risk of childhood caries in their progeny.

Conclusion These data highlight that poor patient knowledge and understanding of perinatal oral health appear to cross demographic boundaries. This presents an opportunity for patient education that may help improve the health status of these individuals and their children.

Keywords

behavior - knowledge - patient survey - perinatal oral health
 

  • References

  • 1 American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Women's Health Care Physicians; Committee on Health Care for Underserved Women. . Committee Opinion No. 569: oral health care during pregnancy and through the lifespan. Obstet Gynecol 2013; 122 (2 Pt 1): 417-422
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 2 Kayar NA, Alptekin NO, Haliloglu S. Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist levels in gingival crevicular fluid and serum in nonsmoking women with preterm low birth weight and intrauterine growth retardation. Eur J Dent 2015; 9 (1) 109-116
    Article in Thieme ConnectPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 3 Morgan MA, Crall J, Goldenberg RL, Schulkin J. Oral health during pregnancy. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2009; 22 (9) 733-739
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 4 Thomas A, Jacob A, Kunhambu D, Shetty P, Shetty S. Evaluation of the knowledge and attitude of expectant mothers about infant oral health and their oral hygiene practices. J Int Soc Prev Community Dent 2015; 5 (5) 400-405
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 5 López NJ, Smith PC, Gutierrez J. Higher risk of preterm birth and low birth weight in women with periodontal disease. J Dent Res 2002; 81 (1) 58-63
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 6 Reza Karimi M, Hamissi JH, Naeini SR, Karimi M. The relationship between maternal periodontal status of and preterm and low birth weight infants in Iran: a case control study. Glob J Health Sci 2015; 8 (5) 184-188
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 7 Marrs JA, Trumbley S, Malik G. Early childhood caries: determining the risk factors and assessing the prevention strategies for nursing intervention. Pediatr Nurs 2011; 37 (1) 9-15 , quiz 16
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 8 Jiang H, Xiong X, Buekens P, Su Y, Qian X. Use of mouth rinse during pregnancy to improve birth and neonatal outcomes: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2015; 15 (311) 311 . Doi: 10.1186/s12884-015-0761-3
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 9 Penova-Veselinovic B, Keelan JA, Wang CA, Newnham JP, Pennell CE. Changes in inflammatory mediators in gingival crevicular fluid following periodontal disease treatment in pregnancy: relationship to adverse pregnancy outcome. J Reprod Immunol 2015; 112: 1-10
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 10 Polyzos NP, Polyzos IP, Zavos A , et al. Obstetric outcomes after treatment of periodontal disease during pregnancy: systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ 2010; 341: c7017 . Doi: 10.1136/bmj.c7017
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 11 Jeelani S, Khader KA, Rangdhol RV, Dany A, Paulose S. Coalition of attitude and practice behaviors among dental practitioners regarding pregnant patient's oral health and pregnant patient's perception toward oral health in and around Pondicherry. J Pharm Bioallied Sci 2015; 7 (Suppl. 02) S509-S512
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 12 Adler NE, Boyce T, Chesney MA , et al. Socioeconomic status and health. The challenge of the gradient. Am Psychol 1994; 49 (1) 15-24
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 13 da Silva Bastos VdeA, Freitas-Fernandes LB, Fidalgo TK , et al. Mother-to-child transmission of Streptococcus mutans: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Dent 2015; 43 (2) 181-191
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 14 Binks C, Duane B. Mother-to-child transmission of Streptococcus mutans . Evid Based Dent 2015; 16 (2) 39-40
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 15 Herzig K, Danley D, Jackson R, Petersen R, Chamberlain L, Gerbert B. Seizing the 9-month moment: addressing behavioral risks in prenatal patients. Patient Educ Couns 2006; 61 (2) 228-235
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar