Effect of oral hygiene education on gingival health status among the pregnant women in Jamshoro.

Abstract

Objectives: The rational of this study was to prevent pregnancy gingivitis through awareness and improvement of oral hygiene practices during pregnancy. This will consequently reduce the prevalence and severity of gum diseases. Study Design: Observational study. Setting: Outpatients Department of Gynecology, Unit 4, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro. Period: January 2017 to February 2018. Material & Methods: The oral examination was done at First visit (First Trimester) and Gingival index was recorded. All these participants were provided awareness regarding best oral hygiene. After 3 months participants were re-examined and gingival index was re-recorded. Gingival status was recorded through Gingival Index (GI) using disposable gloves (Supermax disposable gloves Made in Malaysia) and sterilized dental examination instruments with blunt ended (noninvasive) probe on the same visit. Results: The overall mean age of study subjects was 27.80±4.03 years, among 340 study subjects, 129(37.9) females were in first trimester of their pregnancy and 211(62.1%) were in second trimester at first visit. Descriptive statics of gingival index assessment score of gingival index at first visit was 1.95±0.51. Conclusion: Oral hygiene education and practices has improved the pregnancy related gum problems and has lessened the severity of gingivitis.