Oral health challenges during pregnancy in a semi-urban Indian population: A cross-sectional study in Valanchery, Kerala.

Pregnancy is often characterized by an extreme physiological and hormonal state that makes them susceptible to oral diseases like gingivitis, caries and periodontitis. Therefore, it is of interest to review the rates and trend of oral health issues in 50 expectant mothers who were being attended to in CH Memorial Hospital, Valanchery, Kerala. Oral health status and behavior were measured using clinical examination and structured questionnaires. There was high prevalence of gingivitis (69%), dental caries (70%) and accumulation of plaque (65%) and low utilization of dental services by people (10%). Thus, we show that the application of oral health screening and education into the routine antenatal care is highly urgent to ensure the well-being of both the fetus and mother.