Pregnancy and oral health: utilisation of dental services during pregnancy in northern Greece

Background. Recent studies have shown that gingivitis and periodontal infection during pregnancy represent an independent risk factor for pre-term birth. However, little is known about the prevalence and correlates of dental attendance during pregnancy. Methods. During the first 3 days postpartum, an anonymous questionnaire was administered to 425 women in order to explore their dental condition and utilisation of dental health services during pregnancy, as well as their perceptions on the potential associations between dental care during pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes. Results. Almost half of the respondents (46.8%) reported symptoms of gingivitis during their pregnancy. Pregnancy gingivitis was independently associated with non-Greek ethnicity (p = 0.008), multiparity versus primiparity (p < 0.005), lower economic class versus middle and upper classes ( p = 0.001), and the lack of routine primary dental care (p = 0.005). Some 27.3% reported a visit to the dentist during their pregnancy. The majority (72.2%) believed that dental treatment during pregnancy might have a negative affect on pregnancy outcome. The presence of pregnancy gingivitis and the belief that dental treatment during pregnancy is safe were both independently associated with visiting a dentist during pregnancy (p < 0.0005 for both). Conclusions. Despite the increased prevalence of dental problems among pregnant women, few women seek dental services in this population, which can be primarily attributed to women's erroneous beliefs regarding the safety of dental examination. Therefore, there is an imperative need to offer oral health education and develop preventive programs for women of reproductive age.