Prevalence of gingival inflammation among pregnant women attending the Anugrah Narayan Magadh Medical College and Hospital, Gaya Bihar India

Abstract

Objective: To determine the prevalence of gingival inflammation (gingivitis) among pregnant women attending the Anugrah Narayan Magadh Medical College and Hospital, Gaya, Bihar. Materials and Methods: A single-point assessment was conducted using a self-reported questionnaire completed by participants. Information such as patients’ age, gestational age, educational status, occupation, was obtained. Furthermore, the participants were examined by trained dentists to determine the presence and severity of gingival inflammation. The data obtained were processed, and descriptive and comparative analyses were done using Epi info version 3.5.1. Statistical significance was established at P values <0.05. Results: Five hundred pregnant women aged between 21 years and 45 years [mean age: 32.6 (±6.04) years] participated in the study. Gestational age was between 4 weeks and 41 weeks with a mean of 22.80 (±10.15) weeks. The prevalence of gingivitis was 92%. Conclusion: The higher prevalence of gingivitis during pregnancy is well-established and that observation is corroborated by this study. A change in gingival colour may be an early indication of gingival inflammation, early detection and prompt treatment could prevent further periodontal deterioration. Hence, there is the need to incorporate and intensify oral health education during antenatal care so that pregnant women are able to identify gingival inflammation, especially when it is associated with periodontal inflammatory diseases.