Utilization of Oral Health Services and Barriers to Dental Visits among Pregnant Women in Alahsa, Saudi Arabia

Aim Research reports a limited utilization of dental services among pregnant women. This study explored utilization of oral health services and the barriers to dental visits among pregnant women. Materials and Methods Aanalytical cross-sectional study was carried out at antenatal clinics of two government hospitals in Alahsa. A structured data collection form comprising on demographics, oral health awareness and practices, utilization of dental services and barriers was used through face-to-face interviews. Chi-squared test and regression analysis was performed with a statistical significance level of p < 0.050. Results Among 225 pregnant women, 97% were Saudi with mean age of 30.8 ± 5.8 years, 50% demonstrated high level of oral health awareness, 96% reported good oral hygiene practices and 26% visited dental clinic. Regression analysis showed that participants aged 31–40 years were significantly less likely to visit dental clinics (OR = 0.153, p = 0.017) compared to those aged > 40 years. Participants with low income were significantly less likely to visit dental clinics (OR = 0.385, p = 0.019) compared to high income, and those in the second trimester of pregnancy were significantly less likely to visit dental clinics (OR = 0.197, p = 0.001) compared to the third trimester of pregnancy. Low oral health awareness was also significantly associated with a lack of visits to dental clinics (OR = 0.484, p = 0.040) compared to high oral health awareness. Participants with high incomes had been significantly shown to have barriers in visiting dental clinics (OR = 2.626, p = 0.045) compared to low incomes. Conclusion Most females did not visit the dental clinics and visited only when experienced pain. Many postponed dentalcare due to misperceptions about the importance of oral health, along with worries about pregnancy risks. Age, income, pregnancy stage, and oral health awareness have shown significant role in defining visits to dental care. Income status demonstrated