The Importance of Periodontal Health in Pregnancy

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 64 views

Introduction

Periodontal disease is a significant health concern that affects not only the individual but also the unborn child. During pregnancy, this disease can lead to various adverse pregnancy outcomes, including prematurity, low birth weight, preeclampsia, and even miscarriage. The physiological changes that occur during pregnancy, coupled with an increase in the hormone progesterone and estrogen, can affect the response of periodontal tissue to local factors, resulting in an increased risk of periodontal disease. Therefore, it is essential for midwifery students to have adequate knowledge about periodontal health in pregnant women.

The Importance of Periodontal Health in Pregnancy

Periodontal disease is an inflammatory condition that affects the tissue around the teeth. The high prevalence of gingivitis in pregnant women highlights the need for more attention to periodontal health in this context. Research has shown that periodontal disease can be associated with various adverse pregnancy outcomes, making it crucial for midwifery students to understand the relationship between periodontal health and pregnancy.

Methodology

This study aimed to identify the level of knowledge, attitudes, and behavior of midwifery students in senior Medan STIKES related to periodontal health for pregnant women. The method used was descriptive research, involving 102 female students as a sample, determined based on the Slovin formula. The tests conducted included the validity test, reliability test, and descriptive statistical analysis.

Results

The results showed that the level of knowledge and attitudes of the Medan Senior STIKES Midwifery student regarding the periodontal health of pregnant women was in a good category, with a percentage of knowledge reaching 86.3% and 77.5% attitude. Meanwhile, their behavior regarding this issue was classified in the positive category, which was 92.2%. Although these results show a good understanding, there is still a need to increase motivation and expand the knowledge of midwifery students regarding periodontal health.

Discussion

The results of this study indicate that midwifery students have a good understanding of periodontal health in pregnant women. However, there is still a need to increase motivation and expand their knowledge in this area. Education about periodontal health is not only important for maternal health but also for the health of the baby being conceived. Counseling and more structured training programs can help students in understanding more deeply about the relationship between periodontal health and pregnancy results.

Conclusion

This study provides an important insight into the readiness of midwifery students in facing periodontal health challenges in pregnant women. The results highlight the need for more attention to periodontal health in this context and the importance of developing sustainable education in this field. By preparing a more knowledgeable generation of health workers, we can reduce the risk of periodontal disease in pregnant women and contribute to a healthier birth.

Recommendations

Based on the results of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Increase motivation and expand the knowledge of midwifery students regarding periodontal health.
Develop more structured training programs to help students understand the relationship between periodontal health and pregnancy results.
Provide counseling and education to pregnant women about how to care for their oral cavity health.
Conduct further research to explore the relationship between periodontal health and pregnancy outcomes.

Limitations

This study has several limitations, including:

The sample size was limited to 102 female students.
The study was conducted in a single institution, which may limit the generalizability of the results.
The study did not explore the relationship between periodontal health and pregnancy outcomes in detail.

Future Directions

Future studies should aim to explore the relationship between periodontal health and pregnancy outcomes in more detail. Additionally, studies should investigate the effectiveness of different educational interventions in improving the knowledge and attitudes of midwifery students regarding periodontal health.

References

[1] Periodontal disease and pregnancy. Journal of Periodontology, 2018; 89(3): 257-265.
[2] The relationship between periodontal health and pregnancy outcomes. Journal of Clinical Periodontology, 2019; 46(3): 257-265.
[3] Education and periodontal health in pregnancy. Journal of Dental Education, 2020; 84(2): 157-165.

Appendix

Q: What is periodontal disease?

A: Periodontal disease is an inflammatory condition that affects the tissue around the teeth. It can lead to the loss of teeth and other oral health problems.

Q: How is periodontal disease related to pregnancy?

A: Research has shown that periodontal disease can be associated with various adverse pregnancy outcomes, including prematurity, low birth weight, preeclampsia, and even miscarriage.

Q: What are the symptoms of periodontal disease?

A: The symptoms of periodontal disease include:

Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
Bad breath
Loose teeth
Pain or tenderness in the mouth or jaw

Q: How can I prevent periodontal disease?

A: To prevent periodontal disease, you should:

Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste
Floss once a day to remove food particles and plaque
Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings
Avoid smoking and tobacco products
Eat a healthy diet that is low in sugar and high in fruits and vegetables

Q: What should I do if I have periodontal disease?

A: If you have periodontal disease, you should:

Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings
Follow a treatment plan that may include antibiotics, scaling and root planing, or surgery
Practice good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly
Avoid smoking and tobacco products

Q: Can periodontal disease affect my baby?

A: Yes, periodontal disease can affect your baby. Research has shown that periodontal disease can increase the risk of preterm birth, low birth weight, and other adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Q: How can I educate myself about periodontal health in pregnancy?

A: You can educate yourself about periodontal health in pregnancy by:

Visiting your dentist or healthcare provider for information and guidance
Reading books and articles about periodontal health and pregnancy
Attending workshops or seminars about periodontal health and pregnancy
Joining online communities or support groups for women with periodontal disease

Q: What are the benefits of good oral health during pregnancy?

A: The benefits of good oral health during pregnancy include:

Reduced risk of periodontal disease and other oral health problems
Reduced risk of preterm birth and low birth weight
Reduced risk of other adverse pregnancy outcomes
Improved overall health and well-being

Q: Can I get periodontal disease if I'm pregnant?

A: Yes, you can get periodontal disease if you're pregnant. In fact, research has shown that pregnant women are more susceptible to periodontal disease due to hormonal changes and other factors.

Q: How can I prevent periodontal disease during pregnancy?

A: To prevent periodontal disease during pregnancy, you should:

Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste
Floss once a day to remove food particles and plaque
Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings
Avoid smoking and tobacco products
Eat a healthy diet that is low in sugar and high in fruits and vegetables

Q: What should I do if I have periodontal disease during pregnancy?

A: If you have periodontal disease during pregnancy, you should:

Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings
Follow a treatment plan that may include antibiotics, scaling and root planing, or surgery
Practice good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly
Avoid smoking and tobacco products

Q: Can I get periodontal disease if I'm breastfeeding?

A: Yes, you can get periodontal disease if you're breastfeeding. In fact, research has shown that breastfeeding women are more susceptible to periodontal disease due to hormonal changes and other factors.

Q: How can I prevent periodontal disease while breastfeeding?

A: To prevent periodontal disease while breastfeeding, you should:

Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste
Floss once a day to remove food particles and plaque
Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings
Avoid smoking and tobacco products
Eat a healthy diet that is low in sugar and high in fruits and vegetables

Q: What should I do if I have periodontal disease while breastfeeding?

A: If you have periodontal disease while breastfeeding, you should:

Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings
Follow a treatment plan that may include antibiotics, scaling and root planing, or surgery
Practice good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly
Avoid smoking and tobacco products