الفهرس 
PregnancyOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
Abstract
Pregnancy is characterized by many interrelated physiological changes, which can adversely affect oralhealth. Oral health screening is not a routine procedure in many antenatal clinics. A few studies have demonstrated that periodontal disease may be associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as premature birth and low birth weight. However, while oral health is now accepted as an important component of general wellbeing of pregnant women in developed countries it remains an underrated component in developing countries (Bashiru, and Anthony, 2014).
Many of periodontal disease can be prevented and treated. The achievement of optimal oral health in pregnant women has its own benefits, however in the past it has been hindered by myths inclosing the safety of dental care during pregnancy. Many women fail to understand the importance of oral care in pregnancy while others experience barriers to care. Collection of such data could also be a precious tool for policy makers (Sajan, et al., 2015).
Prevention of oral and dental problems and their complications during pregnancy is possible through having pregnant women expressing appropriate knowledge, attitude and practices (Chawla, et al., 2017).
A positive impact can be made in the U.S. population’s oral systemic health and in associated preventable diseases. Fetal death from untreated maternal dental abscesses can be prevented. Illness and death due to lack of dental care need not happen. The broader societal impact of improving oral systemic health cannot be overemphasized. We need only educate ourselves and implement small logical changes in our practice (Hummel, et al., 2015).
Dental treatment for tooth decay can be performed throughout pregnancy, but the ideal time is in the second trimester of pregnancy (14–28 weeks). During the second trimester the gravid uterus is still small enough not to cause much pressure on the vena cava while a woman reclines in a dentist chair. Pregnant women can be reassured that dental care during pregnancy is safe. If a pregnant woman has not seen a dentist in the last 6 months, she should be referred. Delay in treatment could result in significant risk to the woman and the fetus. Preterm birth, low birth weight, and poor glucose control have been linked with periodontal infection during pregnancy (Bansal and Kumar, 2013).
Pregnancy should not be considered as an absolute reason to defer required dental care. Oral care during pregnancy is very important and involves the contribution of the patient herself, dental professionals and physicians. Pregnant patients must be educated about the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene, expected changes in the oral cavity and routine dental visits. Dental health professionals must be aware of updation of pregnancy related conditions and their proper management without harming the patient and fetus. Considering the best level of patient’s care, referral and consultation to patient’s gynecologist’s or physician should be considered. Drug therapies should be limited and carried out carefully. It is better to avoid radiography and elective surgery. Female patients of childbearing age or expecting females should be screened for caries and oral diseases for timely management (Mustafa, et al., 2015).
Regular dental care is a key component to good oral and general health. Despite the lack of evidence that prenatal oral health care improves pregnancy outcomes, ample evidence shows that oral health care during pregnancy is safe and should be recommended to improve the oral and general health of the woman. Improved oral health of the woman may decrease transmission of potentially cariogenic bacteria to infants and reduce children’s future risk of caries. For many women, obstetrician–gynecologists are the most frequently accessed health care professional, which creates a unique opportunity to educate women throughout their lifespan, including during pregnancy, about the importance of dental care and good oral hygiene (Meyer, Geurtsen, and Gunay, 2011).
The present stud aimed to assess the pregnant women knowledge and Attitude regard oral healh care.
The study design was descriptive study design was used;
It was conducted at pregnant women were attended at antenatal out patient clinic At Ain Shams University Hospital.
Data collected started from February 2018 and finished at may 2018. Purposive sample was used, sample was 265 pregnant women.
Tools of data collection:
Self – administered structured interviewing Arabic questionnaire sheet for pregnant women knowledge including; general characteristics of the study sample, gynecological history and present pregnancy and pregnant women’s knowledge regard oral health care.
Likert scale to assess women’s attitude toward oral health care.
The result:
The result of the present study showed that there were three quarters of study sample of pregnant women had unsatisfactory knowledge regard oral health care during pregnancy. While more than half of them had negative attitude regard oral health care attitude.
Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are suggested:
1. Emphasize the importance of oral health care during pregnancy to prevent the oral health problems for both mothers and their infants
2. Counseling services regarding prevention, detection and management of oral health problems should be available of all follow up of pregnancy.
3. Improving the mother knowledge about oral health care through using media such as pamphlets, booklets, posters and other communication channels.
4. Further research to activate oral health care as aroutine part of pregnancy follow up visits for pregnant women.