Oral health conditions among pregnant women attended to at a health care center in Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil

• Published in: Revista odonto ciência 2011, Vol.26 (4), p.291-296
• Main Authors: Bressane, Larissa Borges, Costa, Lívea Nancy Bulcão da Silva, Vieira, Janete Maria Rebelo, Rebelo, Maria Augusta Bessa
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: DENTISTRY, ORAL SURGERY & MEDICINE
• ISSN: 1980-6523; 0102-9460; 1980-6523
• DOI: 10.1590/S1980-65232011000400003

PURPOSE: To evaluate the oral health conditions of pregnant women enrolled in the Prenatal and Birth Humanization Program of the Theomário Pinto Costa primary healthcare unit in the south-central zone of Manaus, Amazonas METHODS: The population comprised 50 pregnant women, independent of pregnancy trimester. To assess the prevalence of dental caries, we used the DMFT Index, and for gingivitis, we used the Plaque Index and Gingival Bleeding Index. A questionnaire was used to investigate socioeconomic conditions, access to dental services and self-perception regarding oral health. RESULTS: One hundred percent of the population presented with caries; the mean DMFT score was 10.0, and the M component (missing teeth) was predominant (4.28). Among the pregnant women examined, 62% presented with moderate gingival inflammation, and 64% presented with at least some plaque. With regard to educational level, 10% of the population had completed an elementary education, 20% had not completed an elementary education, 34% had completed a high school education, and 6% had not completed a university-level education. CONCLUSION: Considering the results, it can be seen that the oral health status of the population was unfavorable, although a majority considered their oral health to be normal or good.