Clinical evaluation of periodontal status in postpartum women

Abstract

Introduction. Due to significant hormonal changes during pregnancy, clinical consequences can be noticed in the oral cavity, mostly in the third trimester of pregnancy and immediately after. Aim of the study: The paper intended to demonstrate the clinical modifications of oral cavity in pospartum period, especially those of the periodontium. Materials and methods. Twenty volunteers were recruited among postpartum women, of which two of them withdrew along the study. The subjects were patients from the Obstetrics- Gynecology Clinic of County Emergency Clinical Hospital Tirgu Mures. The participation in the study was voluntary and based on informed consent. The elements of the oral cavity were clinically examined, focusing on periodontal changes. The anamnestic data with significant relevance in the etiopathogenesis of these specific modifications in pregnancy and postpartum period were noted and afterwards analyzed in a questionnaire imagined by the author. Results. Of the eighteen postpartum women from our study, 33% of them were giving birth for the first time. 61% came from rural area, 67% of them had medium educational studies and only 44% had a correct follow-up of the pregnancy (family doctor + OB-GYN). 22% had the last dental check-up before pregnancy, 56% were regularly smoking, 83 % presented bacterial plaque & calculus, 61% had caries, 67% claimed that brushed their teeth twice a day. Regarding the periodontal modifications, 82% presented red, swollen gums with soft consistency, 78% were bleeding on brushing, 17% were spontaneously bleeding, 28% had dental mobility, 17% superficial periodontal bags and at 11% of the patients gingival epulis was found. Conclusions. The periodontal modifications specific to pregnancy can also be observed postpartum. The inflammatory phenomena were less emphasized at the patients that had their last dental cleaning and check-up right before pregnancy. Moreover, the statistical results represent a certainty of the fact that the educational, hygiene and sanitation factors, as alimentary noxae and vicious habits have a significant impact on the periodontium. Having a dental checkup before pregnancy seems to be crucial to periodontal health.