Assessment of Oral Health Status of Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinics in Cross River State

Pregnancy-associated hormonal changes heighten susceptibility to periodontal disease and dental caries, making oral health assessment of pregnant women attending antenatal services in South South Nigeria a critical public health priority. This study assessed the oral health status of pregnant women attending antenatal clinics at three General Hospitals in Calabar Municipality and Abi Local Government Areas, Cross River State. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 280 pregnant women across all three trimesters. Clinical oral examinations assessed gingival index, DMFT, and oral hygiene index. A structured questionnaire collected data on dental visit history during pregnancy, awareness of pregnancy gingivitis, and oral hygiene practices. Results showed that 63.2 percent had moderate to severe gingivitis. The mean DMFT was 2.96, indicating significant caries burden. Only 14.6 percent had visited a dentist since becoming pregnant. Awareness that pregnancy can affect gum health was present in only 28.9 percent of respondents. Twice-daily brushing was practised by 43.2 percent. Third-trimester women showed significantly worse gingival indices than first-trimester women. Women who had been informed by antenatal staff about oral health showed better practices. The study concludes that the oral health of pregnant women in this setting is poor and inadequately addressed through existing antenatal care. Recommendations include integrating oral health screening into routine antenatal visits, training midwives in basic oral health counselling, and establishing referral protocols between antenatal clinics and dental units in Cross River State.

Keywords: oral health, pregnant women, antenatal clinic, gingivitis, Cross River State