Physician Intervention Concerning Oral Health and Pregnancy: A Pilot Study

Objectives: Periodontal disease and tooth decayed have been associated with an increased risk of poor pregnancy outcomes. We studied women's knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes about oral health as well as physician intervention and women's experience with their physician. Methods: A survey was developed which included demographic information (age, level of education, marital status) and pregnancy related information (e.g. number of their pregnancy, pregnancy complications). Other questions included information about their beliefs concerning health during pregnancy, physician interventions, and actions taken as a result of physician interventions. The survey targeted pregnant women and new mothers in different clinical settings (n=214). Results: Women who received oral health literature were 17 times (16.58 OR, 2.08-131.94 CI, p=.008) more likely to pay more attention to their oral health and women who received literature and encouragement were 6 times (6.32 OR, 1.71-23.33 CI, p=.006) more likely than women who received no intervention. Older women tended to be more likely to visit the dentist or plan on visiting the dentist during their pregnancy (1.12 OR, 1.04-1.82 CI, p=.003). Women with some college, trade school or more were 3 times (2.76 OR, 1.37-5.56 CI, p=.005) more likely to visit or plan on visiting the dentist while pregnant. Compared to privately insured women, Medicaid insured women were 4 times (.27 OR, .14-.55 CI, p<.001) less likely to see the dentist. Women who received direct encouragement from their physician to see a dentist were 8 times (8.34 OR, 1.83-37.94 CI, p=.006) more likely to visit or plan on visiting the dentist while pregnant. Conclusions: There is a general lack of knowledge concerning oral health and pregnancy among pregnant women. Physician intervention is effective in changing behavior and beliefs in their patients concerning oral health.