Oral health status of pregnant women. “Darío Calzadilla” health area, Banes, 2022-2023

Abstract

Introduction: During pregnancy, major physiological changes occur in the female body, which can lead to the onset of oral health disorders. Maintaining oral health during pregnancy has been a major public health challenge worldwide.

Objective: To characterize the oral health status of pregnant women belonging to “Darío Calzadilla Angulo” Health Area, treated at “26 de Julio” Dental Clinic in the municipality of Banes, Holguín province, Cuba.

Method: A descriptive, observational, cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2022 to March 2023. The universe was made up of 96 pregnant women. The following variables were studied: age, risk factors associated with the oral health status of pregnant women, main oral diseases: dental caries, periodontal disease and masticatory dysfunction. The O'Leary Index, COP Index and the revised WHO Russell periodontal index, were used.

Results: The age group from 21 to 26 predominated (37.50 %). The most prevalent risk factors were onychophagia (10.42 %) and cariogenic diet (8.33 %). Dental caries affected 46.87 % of pregnant women, 29.17 % suffered from periodontal disease and 18.75 % were affected by masticatory dysfunction. Mild periodontal disease prevailed (71.43 %).

Conclusions: The predominant age group was 21 to 26 years. The most prevalent risk factors were onychophagia and cariogenic diet. The main oral diseases were dental caries, periodontal disease with a predominance of mild gingivitis and masticatory dysfunction due to partial edentulousness.

Keywords: dental caries, pregnancy, periodontal diseases, oral hygiene, oral health