The periodontal status of pregnant women and its relationship with socio-demographic and clinical variables

The aims of this study were to assess the periodontal health and oral hygiene status of pregnant women and non-pregnant controls and to evaluate the effect of socio-demographic and other variables on such periodontal status. A total of 400 women, of whom 200 were pregnant (mean age=30 years, s.e.m.=0.05) and 200 non-pregnant controls (mean age=32 years, s.e.m.=0.05) were chosen at random from four health centres. The clinical parameters used were the Silness and Loe plaque index (Pl.I), Loe and Silness gingival index (GI), probing pocket depth (PPD), probing attachment level (PAL), any relationship to socio-demographic (age, level of education and professional level) and clinical variables (gestation period, previous pregnancy and vomiting during pregnancy) was evaluated. The results showed that pregnant women had significantly higher GI and PPD scores (P < 0.005) but with no statistically significant differences in PAL or Pl.I (P > 0.01) compared with non-pregnant controls. Increased age, lower level of education and non-employment were associated with significantly higher GI and PPD scores (P < 0.01). All these clinical parameters increased in parallel with the increase in the stage of pregnancy, reaching their maximum at the eighth month. Women with previous or multiple pregnancy had statistically significantly higher GI and PPD scores than those who were pregnant for the first time (P < 0.01), but with no statistically significant differences in Pl.I or PAL scores (P > 0.05). Also, women who vomited during pregnancy had significantly higher GI and PPD scores compared with those who did not vomit (P < 0.05). It is concluded that gingival inflammatory symptoms are aggravated during pregnancy and are related to increased age, lower level of education and non-employment. Therefore periodontal preventive programmes are very important for pregnant women.