The Oral Health Knowledge and Self-care Practices of Pregnant Women in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background. Pregnancy is a unique time in a woman's life and is characterized by complex physiological changes. These changes can adversely affect oral health. Oral health is a state of being free from chronic mouth and facial pain, oral and throat cancer, oral sores, periodontal (gum) disease, tooth decay and tooth loss, and other diseases, and disorders that affect the oral cavity. Risk factors for oral diseases include unhealthy diet, tobacco use, harmful alcohol use, and poor oral hygiene (WHO). Multiple studies have shown an association between periodontal infection and adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as premature delivery and low birth weight. Aim of this study assess women’s knowledge towards oral and dental health during pregnancy and to examine their self-care practices in relation to oral and dental health. Methodology The research will be conducted at randomly governmental primary health care centers and schools in Riyadh (Dawadmi region). A Quantitative Descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out. two-hundred Saudi pregnant women selected randomly. Women who gave informed consent were asked to complete a self-administered questionnaire and return it to the researcher A Structured questionnaire will be developed consisted of three parts, Demographic characteristics part, level of women`s Knowledge regarding oral health part & Self-care practice regard oral health care. Results, Conclusion & Recommendation. Age of participant women’s between 28 – 38 years (43.2%). Most of the participants had number of pregnancies between 4-6 (38.5 %). Regarding the level of knowledge about oral health, this study showed that 45% of mother had poor knowledge, and there is a significant relationship between the level of practice and the educational, professional status and attendance to antenatal clinic, which was started by 65% of the sample on time, however, they did not visit the dentist. This study recommends that the implementation of oral health programs in prenatal services is essential to delivery of dental care and decreasing the potential oral problems among pregnant women, as well as conducting careful screening of oral risks, and assisting women in obtaining regular dental care.