Factors Associated with Oral Hygiene Practices Among Pregnant Women

Objective This study aims to assess the general and pregnancy-specific oral health knowledge, levels of social support, and dental anxiety in pregnant women, as well as their impact on oral hygiene habits. Methods This study was conducted as a cross-sectional survey involving pregnant women who visited the Obstetrics outpatient clinic. Eligible pregnant women who visited the Obstetrics clinic met the study's inclusion criteria and consented to participate were invited to complete the survey forms administered by the same researcher. The survey consisted of five sections; General Oral Health Knowledge, Oral Health Knowledge Specific to Pregnancy, Dental Anxiety, Social Support, Dental Hygiene Habits. Results The study included 176 pregnant women with a mean age of 30.2 ± 5.6 years and a mean gestational age of 23 weeks. On average, participants answered 2 out of 4 general oral health knowledge questions and 2 out of 6 pregnancy-related oral health knowledge questions correctly. The mean Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) score was 10.6 ± 4.8, and the mean Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) total score was 69.7 ± 18.6. Pregnancy-specific oral health knowledge was positively correlated with the use of dental floss or interdental brushes and mouthwash. Conclusion Pregnancy presents unique challenges for dental health. Regular monitoring and supportive measures can protect long-term dental health. Increasing social support and reducing dental treatment anxiety during pregnancy play critical roles in maintaining oral health. Furthermore, advanced dental cleaning practices, such as using dental floss, mouthwash, and tongue brushing, are positively influenced by higher education levels and strong family support.