Dental care during pregnancy based on the pregnancy risk assessment monitoring system in Utah

Predictors of oral health literacy in pregnant women

We determined factors associate with oral health literacy of pregnant women. A total of 203 pregnant women attending Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) for antenatal care participated in this cross-sectional study. The Malay version of Oral Health Literacy Instrument (OHLI-M) and a structured self-administered questionnaire were used to obtain variables of interest. The mean OHLI-M score was 73.6 (SD 12.59). Only slightly more than half of our participants had adequate oral health literacy (54.2%), while others were marginal (31.0%) and inadequate (14.8%). Our findings revealed that women with adequate oral health literacy were more likely to be those with higher education qualification and were very satisfied or satisfied with their oral health status. The identification of these predictors highlighted the importance to keep oral health education messages simple and clear for the benefit of individuals with low educational attainment.

Racial/Ethnic Differences in Receipt of Dental Cleanings During Pregnancy

INTRODUCTION

We aimed to examine racial/ethnic differences in receipt of dental cleanings during pregnancy, overall and by health insurance type, using 2016-2018 Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System survey data from 39 states and New York City.

METHODS

We used a weighted linear probability model to estimate receipt of a dental cleaning during pregnancy. Key explanatory variables included race/ethnicity (Hispanic, White, Black, Asian and Pacific Islander (API), and other racial groups) and health insurance type (Medicaid, private, and other).

RESULTS

Among a weighted sample of 5,301,753 individuals, 45.9% received a dental cleaning during pregnancy. Regression-adjusted predicted rates of dental cleanings were significantly higher among White than non-White individuals, with the lowest rates observed among Black (43.2%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 40.6%-45.9%) and API individuals (30.6%; 95% CI, 28.5%-32.7%). When comparing rates by health insurance type, adjusted rates were highest among privately insured White individuals (57.4%; 95% CI, 56.1%-58.7%) and lowest among Medicaid-enrolled API individuals (25.4%; 95% CI, 21.5%-29.2%).

CONCLUSIONS

Fewer than one-half of pregnant individuals received dental cleanings, with the lowest rates observed for non-White individuals and Medicaid-enrolled individuals. Efforts are needed to increase dental visits among publicly insured, Black, Hispanic, and API pregnant individuals.

Dental care utilization during pregnancy by Medicaid dental coverage in 26 states: Pregnancy risk assessment monitoring system 2014-2015

OBJECTIVE

To examine the association between Medicaid dental coverage for adult pregnant women with dental care utilization during pregnancy.

METHODS

Pregnancy risk assessment monitoring system (PRAMS) data (2014-2015) and the Medicaid-SCHIP state dental association (MSDA) national profiles (2014-2015) were used in this study. The study sample included 16,612 Medicaid-enrolled women, for a weighted number of 965,046 women from 26 states and New York City. State Medicaid dental coverage was categorized into (1) no coverage for the dental cleaning, (2) coverage for dental cleaning and fillings, (3) extended dental coverage. The adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) for dental visits for cleaning during pregnancy were examined by Medicaid dental coverage level.

RESULTS

Medicaid-enrolled women in states with no dental coverage were less likely to visit dentists for cleaning during pregnancy (26.7%) compared with women in states with either limited dental coverage (36.6%) or extended dental coverage (44.9%). Compared with women in state without dental coverage, Medicaid-enrolled women in states with extended dental coverage (aPR = 1.20, 95% CI [1.16-1.23]) and women in states with limited coverage (aPR = 1.10, 95% CI [1.06-1.14]) were more likely to visit dentists for cleaning during pregnancy when adjusted for other sociodemographic variables and adequacy of prenatal care. A similar pattern of association was observed for a dental visit to address dental problems during pregnancy.

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights the importance of Medicaid dental coverage for adult pregnant women related to dental service utilization during pregnancy.

Pregnant women utilization of dental services: still a challenge in low resource setting

Background

Poor oral health in pregnancy can be associated with poor pregnancy outcome, however, dental consultation among pregnant women appears to be low.

Methods

This was a questionnaire-based study of 413 women who attended the antenatal clinic of University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku/Ozalla, Enugu. The information obtained was analyzed using SPSS version 22. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Only 36 (8.7%) of the respondents had dental consultations in index pregnancy for complaints such as tooth ache and decay (66.7%) and pain as well as swelling of the gum (33.3%). The most common reason given for not visiting a dentist during the index pregnancy was the visit not being relevant to their pregnancy outcome (69.2%). After counseling them, only 249 (60.3%) agreed to have dental consultation during subsequent pregnancies. The relationship between visiting the dentist and place of residence (< 0.001), occupation (0.019) and frequency of brushing/ changing of brush (0.005, < 0.001 respectively) were statistically significant.

Conclusion

The prevalence of dental consultation during pregnancy is very low. Pregnant women should be encouraged to have routine dental consultation with oral health counseling and check-up incorporated as part of routine antenatal care.

Knowledge of Five Different Types of Indonesian Health Workers Regarding Oral Health Services for Pregnant Women

Background:

Oral health care for pregnant women is often not provided by five health professionals in Indonesia: dentist, general practitioner, gynaecologist, promotion health officer, and midwives. While pregnant women also neither seek nor receive oral health treatment, even with apparent oral disease signs. This condition might occur due to a lack of understanding regarding the importance of oral health care for a healthy pregnancy.

Objective:

This study aimed to determine the knowledge of five different types of Indonesian health workers regarding oral health services for pregnant women.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted on a population of five types of health workers in Indonesia. The sampling technique used was non-probability sampling with consecutive sampling technique from August until September 2019. The sample size was 191 health workers; calculation of sample size was conducted using the survey population to estimate the population proportion formula. The research data was collected using Google® Form questionnaire, which consisted of questions regarding regulations and socialisation about the oral health of pregnant women, the minimum number of visits of pregnant women to health service facility during pregnancy, the necessity for oral health examination during pregnancy, oral health treatment package for pregnant women, advisory for pregnant women to have an oral health examination, maternal and child health manual book. The questionnaire was distributed online to the five types of health workers in Indonesia. Data were analysed using Microsoft® Excel and presented in tabular form.

Results:

Nine out of thirteen knowledge criteria were in the 'less' category, which means 69% of health workers lacked knowledge regarding oral health services for pregnant women. Likewise, the number of respondents who knew the correct knowledge was found in 9 of the 13 criteria, indicated that only a small proportion of health workers had adequate knowledge regarding oral health services for pregnant women.

Conclusion:

Five different types of Indonesian health workers are not knowledgeable enough regarding the importance of oral health services for pregnant women. Only a small portion of Indonesia's health workers have adequate knowledge regarding appropriate oral health services for pregnant women.

Prevalence of myths regarding oral health among pregnant women in North India

OBJECTIVES

To study the prevalence of myths regarding oral health care in pregnant women in North Indian population.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study used a self-administered closed-ended questionnaire to assess oral healthcare related beliefs and practices in 400 pregnant women who reported for prenatal checkup in a tertiary healthcare centre in North India. The questionnaire included questions to elicit information on socio-demographic factors, beliefs and practices of oral hygiene during pregnancy, attitude towards dental problems occurring during pregnancy and the reasons associated with a specific belief. Prevalence of various myths was observed, and its associations with various socio-demographic factors, adverse pregnancy outcomes and dental symptoms were analysed.

RESULTS

84.2% of the respondents harboured at least one oral healthcare related myth. 63.4% of respondents deferred brushing for many days after delivery. 36.6% of respondents avoided consumption of hot/cold food and drinks during pregnancy due to fear of tooth loss. 24.5% of respondents believed local anaesthesia could affect baby's developing organs, and 21.8% of the studied population believed tooth extraction might cause miscarriage. Females possessing more myths were more likely to experience severe oral health problems during pregnancy. Education was depicted as a significant negative predictor of the prevalence of myths. No significant correlation between myths prevalence and history of adverse pregnancy outcomes was found.

CONCLUSION

Neglect of oral health due to myths about oral hygiene practices and dental treatment during pregnancy is a serious concern. A very high prevalence of these myths is an obstacle to goal of optimal maternal and child health.