A Descriptive Observational Survey on Italian Women’s Awareness of the Association Between Periodontal Disease and Pregnancy

Abstract

The literature has identified several common acute and chronic complications associated with periodontal health during pregnancy, such as gingivitis, recession, periodontitis, and changes in systemic health, such as gestational diabetes, which may act as additional risk factors for chronic periodontal disease. Are the general public and health care providers aware of the potential risks of systemic and intrauterine inflammation caused by bacteria from the oral microbiota entering the bloodstream through inflamed gingival tissue and affecting the fetoplacental unit, leading to complications, such as preterm birth and reduced prenatal growth? A questionnaire-based survey, conducted between January 2023 and June 2023, aimed to assess patients’ personal oral hygiene practices and their understanding of the link between pregnancy and periodontal health. A total of 826 people completed a questionnaire for this study. The majority of women surveyed (86.9%) were not pregnant, but 77.7% had at least one child. The majority of women believed in good oral hygiene during pregnancy but lacked knowledge about how oral care can affect pregnancy outcomes.