Evaluation of oral health during pregnancy and implementation of maternal oral screening tool and referral process in pregnant women: A cross-sectional study.

Background: A pregnant woman undergoes significant changes in the hormonal levels within her body that can be reflected both systematically as gestational diabetes and as intraoral conditions like gingivitis, dental caries, or pregnancy epulis. The present study aimed to evaluate the oral health, during pregnancy and implementation of maternal oral screening tool and referral process in pregnant women. Materials and Methods: This multicenter, cross-sectional prospective study was conducted in Gynaecology outpatient departments after obtaining Ethical clearance from concerned Ethics Committee. Total sample size was 100 pregnant women selected randomly. Inclusion criteria for conducting the study were a) Primigravidae women and b) those, who had given written informed consent. However, exclusion criteria of the study were a) Medications' history, b) use of systemic corticosteroids, c) history of congenital heart diseases, hypertension and diabetes before pregnancy, d) history of chronic renal disease, epilepsy or asthma, e) multiple pregnancies and f) still-born infants. Statistical Analysis: Data analysis was conducted by using the statistical software, SPSS version 20.0 (IBM, NY, USA). Descriptive statistics data was observed as mean, standard deviation (SD) and percentages. Statistical association evaluation was done by "Chi-square" statistical tool. "P" values lower than 0.05 were statistically significant. Results: The preventive oral/dental care was needed in 1.05 ± 0.21, pit and fissure sealants were required in 0.29 ± 0.02, restorations were required in 1.98 ± 0.45, Crown was required in 0.03 ± 0.12, Endodontic treatment was needed in 0.29 ± 0.45 and Tooth extractions were indicated in 0.34 ± 0.12 pregnant female study participants. 56% had gingivitis, 34% were suffering from periodontitis, 7% were diagnosed with dental caries and 3% were diagnosed as having pregnancy epulis. Conclusion: It is important to maintain good oral hygiene practices during pregnancy as hormonal levels result in the changes in oral tissues. This study highlights the role of oral screening in pregnant females.