Prevalence of Dental Caries and Periodontal diseases and Associated Risk Factors Among Pregnant Women in Sana’a-Yemen

Abstract

Background of the study Dental caries and periodontal disease are considered of the most important oral diseases contributing to the global burden of chronic disease. Dental caries and periodontal disease may contribute to adverse pregnancy outcomes

Objective of the study The objective of the study was to assess the prevalence and associated risk factors of dental caries and periodontal disease among pregnant women in Sana'a city-Yemen.

Methods A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among pregnant women patients attending Al-Sabeen and UST hospitals in Yemen, from 10 July to 8 August 2020. A sample size of 177 pregnant women was included in this study selected by using Convenience sampling method. All pregnant women were clinically examined and answered questions regarding, demographic variables, oral habits, oral hygiene and dietary habits factors. Their periodontal and caries statuses were examined using the Plaque index, Gingival Index, Clinical Attachment Loss and DMFT was recorded among the Pregnant women through mouth examination at four sites. The association between factors and the DMFT, gingivitis and periodontitis was measured by used correlations coefficient and chi-square test as appropriate. Two-tailed, p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results The study results showed that the most of the study pregnant women, 58.2% in the age group of (25-34) and the mean of age was (27.8 ± 5.6). Most of the pregnant women (35.6%) had secondary school education. More than tow third 79.1% were housewife. The majority of the participants in the 3rd trimester pregnant (58 2%). Among those who measured the DMFT index, (85.9%) had DMFT, and the severity of DMFT was Very low (DMFT= <5.0) (49.2%), low (DMFT= 5.0–8.9) (37.9%), moderate (DMFT= 9.0–13.9) (11.3%) and high (DMFT= >13.9) (17%). more than tow third had plaque and gingival inflammation (94.4%, 78.0%) respectivly. While the 74.0% had mild CAL.There was a small correlation between age, education and total DMFT (P-value<0.05). There was a small correlation between education, gestational time and total GI (P-value<0.05) There was a small correlation between education and CAL scores (P-value<0.05). There was no association between DMFT, gingivitis, periodontitis and oral habits (P-value>0.05). There was no association between DMFT and oral hygiene (P-value>0.05). There was association between oral hygiene (using tooth brush, and using dental floss) and gingivitis, which was statistically significant (P-value<0.05). There was association between using tooth brush and periodontitis, which was statistically significant (P-value<0.05). There was association between dietary habits (eat sweets food and eat snack) and gingivitis, which was statistically significant (P-value<0.05). There was no association between gingivitis, periodontitis and dietary habits, which was not statistically significant (P-value>0.05).

Conclusions and Recommendations From all these findings, we concluded that pregnant women do have dental and periodontal problems and may require preventive programs directed for improvement of oral health. The presence of dental caries and periodontal disease during pregnancy has a significant association with negative pregnancy outcomes.