A Cross-sectional Study of Socio-demographic Characteristics of Pregnant Women on the Dental and Periodontal Health

Background and Objective: During pregnancy, changes are observed in the oral cavity including bleeding, tooth shift or loss, halitosis or periodontal abscesses may occur.This study aimed to determine the impact of pregnancy and sociodemographic characteristics of pregnant women on teeth and periodontal health.Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted amongst 53 of pregnant women and 52 of non-pregnant women who consulted in two public health centers urban and rural in the Marrakesh, Safi region in Morocco.Clinical examinations were performed to assess dental and periodontal conditions.Results: A statistically significant difference was found in the degree of tooth mobility that is greater among the pregnant women than the non-pregnant women, a high DMFT index (decayed missing filled teeth) in both groups and an average periodontal pockets depth over 5 mm in both groups.It was also found that plaque index and gingival index are significantly higher among rural pregnant women than urban pregnant women and a higher degree of tooth mobility was found among urban pregnant women that rural pregnant women.Furthermore, pregnant women aged over than 27 years old had significant high DMFT index; gingival recession and tooth mobility compared to pregnant women aged less and equal to 27 years.Finally, it was observed that multiparous pregnant women had a significant higher DMFT index than primiparous pregnant women.Conclusion: During pregnancy, dental mobility increases.Also, dental and periodontal status deteriorates over age, parity and rural living environment.