The comparison of knowledge and practices of pregnant and non-pregnant women about oral health and their oral health related quality of life

The aim of this study was to compare the knowledge and practices of pregnant and non-pregnant women about oral and dental health, to identify problems related to oral and dental health during pregnancy and to determine the effect of oral health on quality of life. The study included 300 pregnant women who applied to Van Education and Research Hospital for routine pregnancy follow-up and birth period and 300 non pregnant women who applied to the hospital with various health problems, In addition to sociodemographic characteristics, medication usage, medical, surgical and obstetrical history of the cases were recorded and oral and dental health information and practices were questioned and effects of oral health on quality of life were examined. The cases were administered a form prepared for this study and also the Oral Health Related Quality of Life Questionnaire-United Kingdom (OHQoL-UK). Groups were found to be different in terms of age, body mass index, sociodemographic characteristics, obstetric history, having been breastfed status, information about perinatal oral health, oral health practices, current complaints about oral health and perception of general health status (p<0.05). The groups were found to be similar in terms of perception of oral health and OHQoL-UK scores (p>0.05). Health care staff; especially the midwives; who have the chance to follow the pregnants from the beginning of pregnancy process should inform the pregnant about oral-dental health during the follow-ups, and appropriate guidance should be made for the solution of the current problems after evaluation for oral and dental health. Key Words: Pregnancy, oral and dental health, quality of life, midwifery