Comparison of intra oral manifestations of pregnant and non-pregnant women: an observational case-control study

Introduction: Hormonal changes during pregnancy are along with oral changes such as pregnancy gingivitis, halitosis, pregnancy tumor and teeth erosion. The aim of the current study is to evaluate the prevalence of these oral changes in pregnant and non-pregnant women.  Methods and materials: In this observational, analytic, case-control study, 124 pregnant women and 124 non-pregnant women referred to Al-zahra hospital, Rasht, Iran, were examined. Age, education, number of pregnancy and pregnant status of patients were recorded. Also, gingival index, plaque index, halitosis, pregnancy tumor, erosion and geographic tongue were assessed and recorded. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS 22. Data were analyzed using the Chi square and Mann-Whitney tests with P < 0.05 considered significant.  Results: No statistical relation was found between age and pregnancy status. (P=0.085) Also, the relation of education and pregnancy status was not statistically significant. (P=0.49) Plaque index, gingival index and halitosis were significantly different between pregnant and non-pregnant women. (P=0.018, P=0.001 and P=0.0001 respectively) However, pregnancy tumor, erosion and geographic tongue were not significantly different based on pregnancy status. (P=0.65, P= 0.758 and P=0.23) conclusion: During pregnancy, occurrence of gingival inflammation and halitosis increases based on the current study. It should be noted that better oral hygiene is of benefits for pregnant patients, offering them comfort, function and aesthetics.