Common Misunderstandings about Oral Health Care among Pregnant Women

Myths about oral health during pregnancy are widespread and significantly affect pregnant women's dental habits and behaviors. Prabhudessai S. et al. explored misconceptions (pregnancy and early childhood oral care) and their determinants amongst pregnant women. They designed a questionnaire to assess the participants' demographics, Parity, oral health behavior, and misconceptions among 305 pregnant women attending antenatal care. They examined oral health (DMFT, bleeding on probing, and periodontal pocket) and found early childhood myths to be more prevalent than pregnancy-related myths. Also, the myths were substantially more prevalent in mothers ≤ 30 years of age, primiparous, illiterate, and those who never visited the dentist. Both pregnancy and early childhood myth scores positively correlated with DMFT. Educational status and age negatively predicted myths, while Parity emerged as the only significant positive predictor. 

The study emphasizes the prevalence of pregnancy myths and the need for culturally appropriate and simple educational messages to dispel them. It is recommended that all pregnant women visit a dental surgeon at least once during their second trimester.

Prabhudessai S, Gaunkar R, Kamat AK. et al. Misconceptions Regarding Essential Oral Health Care Amongst Pregnant Women Visiting a Tertiary Care Hospital in the State of Goa, India: A Descriptive Study. J Obstet Gynecol India. 2023. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13224-023-01793-5