Year : 2022

Volume : Volume 13

Issue : Issue 5

Address for correspondence :
Dr. Gagan Raj
dr.graj2017@gmail.com

Abstract

Background: Periodontal health in pregnant women has become a field of research since 1960. Periodontal disease during pregnancy affects not
only maternal oral health but also fetal growth with increased risk of subsequent preterm birth or low birth weight. Aim and Objective: This study aims (1) to assess the periodontal status in pregnant and non-pregnant women of age group between 18 and 40 years, (2) to assess the oral healthrelated quality of life (OHRQoL) among pregnant and non-pregnant women using oral health impact profile-14 (OHIP-14)., and (3) to assess the relationship (if any) between the periodontal status and OHRQoL among pregnant and non-pregnant women. Methodology: A hospital-based cross-sectional comparative study was conducted in the outpatient department of obstetrics and gynecology unit of the government hospitals in Patna, Bihar, among systematic random sample of 300 women (150 pregnant and 150 non-pregnant) and of age group 18–40 years after satisfying the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Apro forma was used to obtain relevant personal information, pregnancy history and to assess the prevalence of periodontal diseases, loss of attachment, and OHRQoL measured by OHIP-14 among pregnant and non-pregnant subject. Data were collected, compiled, and tabulated using Microsoft Excel and analyzed by Chi-square test and independent sample t-test with P < 0.05 as statistically significant. Results: Mean for gingival bleeding and pocket was higher among pregnant subjects which was 0.83 ± 0.38 and 0.87 ± 0.72, respectively, as compared to non-pregnant women (0.68 ± 0.47 and 0.14 ± 0.42). Majority of the pregnant women 84.3% in this study showed no loss of attachment whereas only 15.7% of them had loss of attachment. The overall mean of all items of OHIP-14 among pregnant group (22.37 ± 8.09) was higher as compared to non-pregnant group (3.43 ± 3.04) which is statistically significant (P < 0.001). The OHIP-14 is in positive correlation with periodontal status among pregnant and non-pregnant subject. Conclusion: The data in our study demonstrate that the periodontal health and OHRQoL of pregnant women were significantly poorer when compared to non-pregnant women.

Keywords: Gingival bleeding, Oral health impact profile-14, Periodontal pocket, Periodontal status, Pregnancy.