Oral health in pregnancy: Knowledge, attitude, practice, and awareness of its relationship with fetal health among women attending antenatal clinic at a tertiary hospital in Gusau, Zamfara State, Nigeria – A cross-sectional study

Background: Several changes occur in the body during pregnancy, and studies have shown an increased risk of adverse outcomes and complications of pregnancy due to maternal periodontal disease. Aim: To evaluate the oral health awareness, practice, and knowledge of its relationship with fetal health among pregnant women attending an antenatal clinic (ANC). Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study involving 300 pregnant women attending the ANC clinic, Federal Medical Centre Gusau. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0 (IBM, Armonk Inc., New York, USA). Results: 62.0% had never visited a dentist due to the cost of treatment (30.0%), time constraint (32.0%), and fear (28.0%). The knowledge of oral health was poor. There was a statistically significant difference in the past dental visit based on educational level, ethnicity, gestation period, employment status, and number of children. Conclusion: The knowledge of oral health was poor. Treatment cost, fear, and time constraints were the barriers to accessing oral health services.