Introduction. Pregnancy is a period of increased risk of oral diseases that affect both the course of pregnancy and child’s health. Pregnant women should pay particular attention to dental and periodontal health by implementing intensified preventive and therapeutic activities. Aim. An evaluation of the reasons for dental visits and the types of dental services among pregnant women, with reference to the impact of the socio-demographic factors such as place of residence and the type of medical facility. Material and methods. An electronic survey was conducted among women up to 5 years postpartum (consent of the bioethical committee of Medical University of Warsaw). Socio-demographic data as well as information on the course of pregnancy, dental appointments during pregnancy, the type of dental procedures and the type of attended healthcare facilities were collected. The chi-square test and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient were used for statistical analysis. A p ≤ 0.05 was accepted as statistically significant. Results. A total of 3,439 questionnaires completed 2 weeks to 5 years after delivery by women aged between 13.1 – 45.4 years, including 40.9% of urban residents, 74.8% of women with higher education, and 41% of women in good economic situation, were analysed. A total of 62.3% of respondents reported attending dental appointments (usually private) during pregnancy. The need for treatment was the most common reason for the visit. The attendance and the reasons for dental visits depended on the age, economic status, professional activity, place of residence, level of education, dental care before pregnancy and gynaecologist’s recommendations. A total of 63% of women who reported to the dentist received dental care. The most common procedures included dental caries treatment (53.7%), dental scaling (13.6%) and endodontic treatment (9.5%). Dental radiography was less common (2.5%). Except for tooth extraction and endodontic treatment, all procedures were usually performed in private practices rather than those having a contract with the Polish National Health Fund. Conclusions. Dental attendance among pregnant women, which is modified by socio-demographic factors, is associated with the need for dental treatment and a referral from a gynecologist. The limited use of preventive procedures and avoiding diagnostic radiology during pregnancy indicate the need to educate both future mothers and dentists on dental care in pregnancy.
The endodontic treatment in pregnancy
