Oral hygiene practices and dental service utilization among pregnant women

ABSTRACT Background Daily oral hygiene and regular dental visits are important components of oral health care. The authors' objective in this study was to examine women's oral hygiene practices and use of dental services during pregnancy. Methods The authors developed a written oral health questionnaire and administered it to 599 pregnant women. They collected demographic information, as well as data on oral hygiene practices and use of dental services during pregnancy. They used χ 2 and multivariable logistic regression models to assess associations between oral hygiene practice and dental service use during pregnancy and to identify maternal predictor variables. Results Of the 599 participants, 83 percent (n = 497) reported brushing once or twice per day. Twenty-four percent (n = 141) reported flossing at least once daily; Hispanic women were more likely to floss than were white or African American women (28 percent [52 of 183] versus 22 percent [54 of 248] versus 19 percent [23 of 121], respectively, P P Conclusion Racial, ethnic and economic disparities related to oral hygiene practices and dental service utilization during pregnancy exist. Clinical Implications Medical and dental care providers who treat women of reproductive age and pregnant women need to develop policy strategies to address this population's access barriers to, and use of, dental care services.