The effect of oral health maintenance behaviors among pregnant women on pregnancy gingivitis: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Introduction: Pregnancy gingivitis is the most common oral manifestation during pregnancy and, if left untreated, it may be associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, including low birth weight (LBW). Hormonal changes accompanied by inadequate oral health behaviors are considered important factors associated with its occurrence. This study aimed to analyze the effect of oral health maintenance behaviors among pregnant women on pregnancy gingivitis. Methods: This analytical observational study employed a cross-sectional design involving 38 pregnant women attending the Mulyorejo Community Health Center, Surabaya, Indonesia, in June 2022. Oral health behavior was assessed using a structured questionnaire covering knowledge, attitude, and practice domains. Gingival status was evaluated using the Bleeding on Brushing (BOB) test and the Oral Hygiene Index-Simplified (OHI-S). Data were analyzed using Spearman's rank correlation and binary logistic regression analyses, with statistical significance set at p< 0.05. Results: A total of 24 participants (63.2%) exhibited BOB. Knowledge, attitude, and practice showed significant negative correlations with BOB (r = −0.335 to −0.494; p = 0.002–0.040) and OHI-S (r = −0.459 to −0.509; p = 0.001–0.004). Multivariable logistic regression analysis, oral health practice (adjusted OR = 0.76; 95% CI: 0.59–0.97; p=0.029), toothbrushing frequency of fewer than twice daily (adjusted OR=4.20; 95% CI: 1.01–17.50; p = 0.049), and OHI-S score (adjusted OR=1.75; 95% CI: 1.01–3.04; p=0.046) remained independently associated with the presence of BOB. Conclusion: Knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding oral health were significantly associated with gingival health among pregnant women. After multivariable adjustment, oral health practice, toothbrushing frequency, and oral hygiene status remained independently associated with BOB, underscoring the importance of consistent daily oral hygiene practices in maintaining gingival health during pregnancy.


Efek perilaku pemeliharaan kesehatan gigi dan mulut dengan gingivitis kehamilan pada ibu hamil: studi potong lintang


Pendahuluan: Gingivitis kehamilan merupakan manifestasi oral yang umum selama kehamilan dan dapat berhubungan dengan luaran persalinan yang merugikan, termasuk berat badan lahir rendah (BBLR). Perubahan hormonal dan perilaku kesehatan gigi dan mulut kurang memadai berhubungan dengan gingivitis kehamilan. Penelitian ini bertujuan menganalisis efek perilaku kesehatan gigi dan mulut dengan gingivitis kehamilan pada ibu hamil. Metode: Penelitian observasional analitik dengan desain potong lintang melibatkan 38 ibu hamil di Puskesmas Mulyorejo, Surabaya, pada Juni 2022. Perilaku kesehatan gigi dan mulut diukur menggunakan kuesioner terstruktur mencakup pengetahuan, sikap, dan praktik. Status gingiva dinilai menggunakan Bleeding on Brushing (BOB) dan Oral Hygiene Index-Simplified (OHI-S). Data dianalisis menggunakan korelasi Spearman dan regresi logistik biner dengan tingkat kemaknaan p<0,05. Hasil: Sebanyak 24 responden (63,2%) mengalami BOB. Pengetahuan, sikap, dan praktik berkorelasi negatif bermakna dengan BOB (masing-masing r=-0,494; p=0,002; r=-0,335; p=0,040; dan r=-0,490; p=0,002) serta skor OHI-S (r=-0,509; p=0,001; r=-0,459; p=0,004; dan r=-0,502; p=0,001). Regresi logistik menunjukkan praktik kesehatan gigi dan mulut (aOR=0,76; IK95%: 0,59–0,97; p=0,029), frekuensi menyikat gigi <2 kali/hari (aOR=4,20; IK95%: 1,01–17,50; p=0,049), dan OHI-S (aOR=1,75; IK95%: 1,01–3,04; p=0,046) berhubungan independen dengan BOB. Simpulan: Perilaku kesehatan gigi dan mulut berhubungan bermakna dengan status gingiva ibu hamil, dengan praktik, frekuensi menyikat gigi, dan status kebersihan mulut berhubungan independen dengan BOB.