In-Depth Understanding of Oral Health During Pregnancy

The aim of this study is to understand the health needs and what is most important for women who are or plan to become pregnant. In particular, we want to know whether women are concerned about their oral health and the impact this may have on the development of the fetus, and whether they seek a dentist in those periods. With this work, and despite the small, but representative sample, it can be concluded that women who do not have an underlying pathology, and who consider themselves healthy, do not have major concerns about their health when they are thinking about getting pregnant, and as a general rule, they only seek out a health professional after confirming the pregnancy. As far as oral health is concerned, there is also little concern, and oral hygiene habits remain the same as they were before becoming pregnant, but here the search for a dentist is not immediate. This delay is due not only to the fears and myths that are still associated with it and that are passed down from generation to generation, but also to some misinformation. Based on the information collected, we contribute to improving the oral health information and services provided to women who are or plan to become pregnant.