Attitudes of Gynecologists on Oral Health Care During the Pregnancy in the Republic of North Macedonia

Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the attitudes and the knowledge of gynecologists in the Republic of North Macedonia on oral health care during the pregnancy. Materials and methods: The specialists and residents of obstetrics and gynecology in Republic of North Macedonia were involved in this cross-sectional study. The survey was conducted by a questionnaire which consisted the questions on general demographic data and issues related to the attitudes of gynecologists to oral health care of pregnant women. The data were collected from January to May 2022 using Google Form, a link to which questionnaire was send via available social media platforms. Results: Out of the total number of 120 respondents, 86 (71.64%) were specialists and 34(28.33%) residents of obstetrics and gynecology. As many as 116 (96.67%) gynecologists answered that they advise their patients to visit the dentist for an examination. However, of these 116 gynecologists, 16 (13.33%) responded by advising their patients to postpone a visit to the dentist until the end of the pregnancy. 79 (65.83%) gynecologists answered that their patients complained of gingival bleeding during pregnancy. 48 (40.33%) gynecologists answered that their patients complained about tooth mobility during pregnancy. When respondents were asked where they get information about the connection between oral health and pregnancy, only 27 respondents answered correctly that they receive information from all the above sources. Only 7 (5.83%) respondents, 5 specialists and 2 residents of obstetrics and gynecology know that breastfeeding a child can cause dental caries. Conclusion: Additional collaboration between gynecologists and doctors of dental medicine is essential in order for every pregnant woman to receive a satisfactory level of dental care and proper education on the preservation of oral health.