Factors associated with the prevalence of periodontal disease in low-risk pregnant women

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the prevalence of periodontal disease (PD) among Brazilian low-risk pregnant women and its association with sociodemographic factors, habits and oral hygiene. METHOD This cross-sectional study included 334 low-risk pregnant women divided in groups with or without PD. Indexes of plaque and gingival bleeding on probing, probing pocket depth, clinical attachment level and gingival recession were evaluated at one periodontal examination below 32 weeks of gestation. Independent variables were: age, race/color, schooling, marital status, parity, gestational age, smoking habit, alcohol and drugs consumption, use of medication, presence of any systemic diseases and BMI (body mass index). Statistical analyses provided prevalence ratios and their respective 95%CI and also a multivariate analysis. RESULTS The prevalence of PD was 47% and significantly associated with higher gestational age (PR 1.40; 1.01-1.94 for 17-24 weeks and PR 1.52; 1.10-2.08 for 25-32 weeks), maternal age 25-29 years, obesity (PR 1.65; 1.02-2.68) and the presence of gingival bleeding on probing (OR(adj) 2.01, 95%CI 1.41-2.88). Poor oral hygiene was associated with PD by the mean values of plaque and bleeding on probing indexes significantly greater in PD group. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of PD is high and associated with gingival bleeding on probing, more advanced gestational age and obesity. A program of oral health care should be included in prenatal care for early pregnancy, especially for low-income populations.