Brazilian¢s Pregnant Women: Knowledge and Practices of Oral Health

Oral health is an important and altogether crucial component of general health. Nevertheless, oral health has not deemed an adequate approach in health policies directed to pregnancy in Brazil. The indication of dental care during pregnancy had been advocated by many studies, but myths and beliefs have made this care very difficult over the years and still make patients and health professionals alike subject to confounding practices. Objectives: to get the associated knowledge, practices and representations on dental treatment during pregnancy. Also, try to understand the way in which these items might influence or not the demand for dental services in pregnant women. Methods: It was conducted a qualitative study based on semi structured interviews directed to 28 physicians, 24 dentists and 46 pregnant patients, in 4 maternities in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Results: It was observed that representations, practices and overall knowledge actually interfere with dental treatment during pregnancy. Dentists were, by far, the health professionals most opposed to treat pregnant women, hampering supply and quality of services. Pregnant women, on the other hand, in spite of somewhat demonstrating fear, were also very receptive to care. Dental care was considered by them as an opportunity of access to dental services in general. Conclusions: Cultural aspects, fear and myths about dental treatment during pregnancy are still present among health professionals in Brazil. This study should be known by the Brazilian Health Department, in order to develop public health policies including these important findings.