Association between the Periodontal Condition of Pregnant Women and Maternal Variables and Health Assistance

Objective: To evaluate the periodontal condition of pregnant women and to analyze the influence of maternal variables socioeconomic-demographic data, health, deleterious habits and access to dental service - and the existence of the Family Health Program (FHP) at the public assistance services to pregnant women. Method: This evaluation was part of a cohort study with pregnant women and children conducted in two cities of the Sao Paulo State, one of which with an implemented FHP. Oral examinations were done using the Community Periodontal and Periodontal Attachment Loss Indexes, and semi-structured interviews with the pregnant women at their homes. Data were analyzed statistically by the chi-square test and Fisher's exact test at 5% significance level (alpha=0.05). Results: All pregnant women (n=119) registered at the public health service of each city were examined. The mean age was 24.7 years; 61.4% were black or black/white mixed-race women; most (65.5%) earned 2-3 minimum wages, and only 6.7% initiated higher education. Only 8% of the patients presented periodontal health. Bleeding and calculus were observed in 66% of them, and shallow and deep periodontal pockets in 20%. Periodontal attachment loss > 4 mm was observed in 24% of the pregnant women. The group was homogeneous as to the maternal characteristics, age (p=0.0384) and smoking (p=0.0102) being the only factors associated with periodontal disease. The existence of a FHP at the public assistance service was not associated with a lower prevalence of the disease. Conclusion: The findings of this study show a high prevalence of periodontal alterations during pregnancy, with no influence from the existence of a FHP on the observed conditions. Among the risk variables, age and smoking were the factors associated with the presence of periodontal disease. There is a need for a better planing and accomplishment of oral health actions during the prenatal period.