Knowledge of Periodontal Disease in Expecting Mothers and Its Association with Utilization of Dental Services in Riyadh,

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to determine the knowledge of pregnant women in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia about possible association between periodontal disease and pre-term birth and baby’s low birth weight and; its effect on the utilization of dental services during pregnancy. Four hundred and forty six pregnant women from two governmental hospitals in Riyadh, Saud Arabia completed a self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire obtained information on demographics, oral health practices, satisfaction with oral health, current dental needs, and frequency of dental visit before and during pregnancy. Also, knowledge of pregnant women on the effect of periodontal disease on pregnancy outcomes was assessed. Only 30% and 21% of responding pregnant women indicated that they have visited the dentist in the 6-month before pregnancy and during pregnancy, respectively. Most pregnant women did not know that there might be an association between periodontal disease and pre-term birth (369/405) and baby’s low-birth weight (365/412). Pregnant women who thought that periodontal disease may be associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes were 2.53 times more likely to seek dental treatment during pregnancy compared to those who did not know about it (95% CI: 1.424.50). The results have indicated that knowledge about possible association between periodontal disease and adverse pregnancy outcomes was correlated to increased utilization of dental services during pregnancy.