Nível de conhecimento de gestantes sobre a saúde bucal na gravidez

Abstract

Introduction: During pregnancy many changes of psychological, social and biological, including changes in the oral environment, that can compromise health arise. The gestational period is conducive to clarification and awareness about myths, beliefs and concerns that involve dental treatment. Objective: Check the level of knowledge of pregnant women about aspects of oral health during pregnancy. Methodology: The research consisted of a observational, descriptive and transversal study, in which the data were collected through a questionnaire composed of fourteen questions, six of which were objective and four were subjective. The target population were pregnant with the prenatal program of the Aparecida Health Unit in Natal –RN. Results: The mean age was 26.75 ± 6.55 years; 45.83% of the interviewed women were in the third trimester of pregnancy, 29.16% in the second and 25% in the first; 95.83% of the interviewees reported not smoking; 91.67% did not use drugs; 50% mentioned performing dental care linked to prenatal care; 50% of the pregnant women said they received some information about oral health; 37,50% presented some dental problem; 79% had no dental problems before pregnancy; 54.17% believe that pregnancy causes or may cause a problem in their mouth; 100% use toothbrush and toothpaste; 50% use dental floss, 16.66% use oral mouthwashes, and 29.17% of participants agree that gingival changes can affect their health and that of the baby. Conclusion: There was little knowledge of pregnant women about oral health and pregnancy, which may denote the poor effectiveness of health education practices during prenatal care.