Extensiveness of caries and oral hygiene condition in pregnant women

Objective: The purpose of the present study was assessment of the extensiveness of caries, oral hygiene and periodontal status of pregnant women in comparison to non-pregnant women, particularly verification of hypothesis on the main role of oral hygiene in limitation of dental caries and periodontal diseases. Methods: The study was performed on a group of 60 women. The study group consisted of 30 pregnant women between the ages of 21-30 yrs, participants of the prenatal school. The control group consisted of 30 non-pregnant. In both groups, nutrition and oral hygiene habits were subjected to analysis. The caries activity index (DMF) was recorded during dental examination with registration of carious, restored and extracted teeth. The oral hygiene status was determined on the basis of teeth and gums examination (Ramfjörd’s Oral Hygiene Index and Ramfjörd’s Periodontical Diseases Index). The level of lactic acid in saliva was measured using Clinpro Cario L-Pop (3MESPE). Samples of saliva were taken from the central part of the tongue. Results were determined by comparing the colour of the sample with the standard chart. Results: The obtained results showed high caries activity index in both groups (DMF study group = 14.7, DMF control group = 12.33). The value of Ramfjörd’s Oral Hygiene and Periodontical Diseases Indices shows lower figures for the control group (1.6 and 0.33, respectively) than for the study group (1.88 and 0.4 respectively). The pregnant women eat more frequently but they brush teeth rarely. Conclusion: The results of the study performed indicate that the oral cavity hygiene constitutes the major factor influencing the extensiveners of caries. The factors directly attributable to pregnancy are of minor significance. Maintenance of high oral hygiene has importance for the intensity of cavity and periodontal diseases.