Dental Pain Experience among Pregnant Women in Kuwait

Objectives: The aim of this study was to describe perceived dental pain of pregnant women in Kuwait. Methods: A cross-sectional study with an anonymous structured questionnaire was conducted among 650 pregnant women during a six-weeks period in the biggest government maternity hospital in Kuwait city. The response rate was 93% (n=603). Results: The mean age of the women was 30 years (range between 18 and 56 years). Every fourth had her first pregnancy, while 35% already had three or more children. Dental pain experience was reported by 35% of the pregnant women at the time of filling in the questionnaire; 65% of them thought that they had dental caries, 50% believed to have periodontal problems, and 70% had experienced dental pain also during the last 6 months (p<0.001). Almost half of those women who had current pain, had also visited a dentist recently because of pain. The main reasons for the latest appointment had been a need for treatment (48%) and pain (37%). Only 14% of them visited dentist just for a check-up or teeth cleaning. The dental pain experience was more common among the women who bushed their teeth infrequently (p=0.026). No statistical significant differences were found between perceived dental pain and women's age, education, occupation or number of deliveries in the past. Conclusions: A high number of pregnant women reported experiencing dental pain currently, and visited a dentist recently because of pain. Preventive professional oral health care and self-care should be emphasised among the pregnant women.