Management of Acute Dental Pain and Oral Health Challenges among Pregnant Women in Pakistan

Abstract

Introduction: Pregnancy is a physiological state that causes a variety of changes in the mouth cavity, as well as other physiological changes throughout the female body. Some of the modifications typically seen in pregnant women include gingival hyperplasia, gingivitis, pyogenic granulomas, and other salivary alterations. Objectives of the Study: The main objective of our study is to find the management of acute dental pain oral health challenges faced by the pregnant women in Pakistan. Because like other systems of the body oral system also face many problems during pregnancy in women. Methodology of the Study: A cross-sectional survey of pregnant women attending the Punjab Dental Hospital, Lahore during 2020 to 2021. A convenience sample of 100 pregnant women was invited to participate by a dental assistant. Results: We select 100 patients for our study and these are pregnant women who completed the survey. The mean age of the participants ranged from 16 to 40 years. More than half (59.3%) reported dental problems during pregnancy, less than a third (30.5%) saw a dentist in the last six months, only 10% had received any information about perinatal oral health and many (>50%) were unaware of the potential impact of poor maternal oral health on pregnancy and infant outcomes. Conclusion: The present study indicates that the oral health status is not appropriate among the pregnant women. On the other hand, the high prevalence of dental plaque, poor periodontal condition and unsatisfied treatment require a preventive population based strategy with an emphasis on the improvement of the oral self-care for the pregnant women.