IADR Abstract Archives
Self-reported Oral Health Knowledge and Attitudes of Swiss Pregnant Women
Objectives: To describe self-reported perceptions on oral health and oral hygiene habits of pregnant women living in French- speaking Switzerland.
Methods: The study population consisted of 403 women, aged between 19-43 years old attending one of the four hospitals of the French part of Switzerland: University Hospital of Geneva, Lausanne, Fribourg and Riviera-Chablais. A questionnaire designed by the authors was completed by the women the day of their routine check-up visit. Data collected included demography (age, education level), attitudes and behavior regarding dental care before and during pregnancy, possible changes on gingival conditions and knowledge on the systemic influence of periodontal disease on pregnancy and the adverse outcomes.
Results: 40% of the responders had received university education, half of them had more than one pregnancy and the 2/3 was at the 3rd trimester of pregnancy. The majority of women (80 %) rated oral health as very important (VAS score: 8-10), reported brushing their teeth twice par day and 55% having regular dental visits. However, only one third attended a dentist the last 6 months with 15% of the cohort reporting cost as the major deterrent. One third of the study population perceived gingival inflammation during pregnancy, with bleeding as the major symptom. Although no change was reported on oral hygiene habits, half of the women adapted a healthy and balanced diet. 10% of the participants were smokers (10%) and 50% consumed alcohol only occasionally. With pregnancy, a considerable decrease of both habits was reported. Only half of the women were advised by their gynecologists on the relationship between periodontal disease and adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Conclusions: Although Swiss pregnant women present a relatively high level of oral hygiene and dental visiting habits, it seems to be a substantial need for increased awareness of gingival oral health related to pregnancy.
Methods: The study population consisted of 403 women, aged between 19-43 years old attending one of the four hospitals of the French part of Switzerland: University Hospital of Geneva, Lausanne, Fribourg and Riviera-Chablais. A questionnaire designed by the authors was completed by the women the day of their routine check-up visit. Data collected included demography (age, education level), attitudes and behavior regarding dental care before and during pregnancy, possible changes on gingival conditions and knowledge on the systemic influence of periodontal disease on pregnancy and the adverse outcomes.
Results: 40% of the responders had received university education, half of them had more than one pregnancy and the 2/3 was at the 3rd trimester of pregnancy. The majority of women (80 %) rated oral health as very important (VAS score: 8-10), reported brushing their teeth twice par day and 55% having regular dental visits. However, only one third attended a dentist the last 6 months with 15% of the cohort reporting cost as the major deterrent. One third of the study population perceived gingival inflammation during pregnancy, with bleeding as the major symptom. Although no change was reported on oral hygiene habits, half of the women adapted a healthy and balanced diet. 10% of the participants were smokers (10%) and 50% consumed alcohol only occasionally. With pregnancy, a considerable decrease of both habits was reported. Only half of the women were advised by their gynecologists on the relationship between periodontal disease and adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Conclusions: Although Swiss pregnant women present a relatively high level of oral hygiene and dental visiting habits, it seems to be a substantial need for increased awareness of gingival oral health related to pregnancy.